A letter from Joseph Joachim to Franz von Vescey.
Berlin, November 20th,1904.
Szeretettel!
Listen carefully when practising so that not a single note should pass by unnoticed. Be your own teacher!
In changing position, do not slide with the fingers on the string so that it howls and mews.
Do not lift your fingers too high, but even in the most rapid runs make them fall firmly on to the strings.
Break yourself of the habit of an overdone Vibrato and the slow wobbling of the fingers in Cantabile passages—it is really a result of weakness in the fingers, and reminds one of the lamentations of old women.
Only use the Vibrato when you wish to lay particular stress on a note,which your feeling will suggest.
Be strict in regard to the intonation; you have a good ear–use it!
Loud playing and quick playing alone cannot do it; at most, it only dazzles the ignorant in the audience. All depends upon beautiful playing and distinct playing.
As a souvenir of your friend,
JOSEPH JOACHIM.
Joseph Joachim plays Romance, recorded in 1903.
Mark
Thanks for your blog, nice to read. Do not stop.