Playing the violin.

 

One thing is for sure - the violin is not the easiest instrument to learn or play.

Another thing is for sure - Paganini's Caprice no. 24 is not the easiest piece to play on the violin.

No, don't stop reading and move over to another blog. This is not going to be all about notes on the violin and I promise not to mention Evah Pirazzi strings.

Look, give me a chance here. This will not be as bad as The Curmudgeon's post on making bread. I promise. 

I just want to tell you that there are two states of consciousness used when playing the violin:

• The analytical mind and
• The intuitive mind.

A performance will not go well if you are using the analytical mind and a practice session won't go well if you are only using the intuitive mind. These two states of consciousness need to be turned around.

• We practise mainly with the analytical mind and 
• We perform mainly with the intuitive mind.

So, why do people play out of tune?

Mainly because they haven't properly done their homework. Each variation of Caprice no. 24 needs a lot of analytical practice before a performance is attempted. It also needs some intuitive practice, in that the player needs to hear the sound of the music in his head. 

What causes nerves that lead to wrong notes?

Either not enough slow thoughtful practice or not enough wine.

St. Paul said, somewhere in the bible, that, when the Romans are coming after you, a glass or two of Cleanskin will never go amiss. It's the same with violin performance. Though, be careful, there is a point, when using wine, that your performance might sound good to you but sound like shit to everybody else.

Shit.

I hope this helps.

I'm off to do some practice now.

Ciao tutti.