The Living Art of Violin Playing: Progressive Form by Maureen Taranto-Pyatt
- Indiana University Press
- Paperback, 340 pgs
Blending creative insights with wisdom of the masters, professional violinist Maureen Taranto-Pyatt shares practical guidance in her new methodology, Progressive Form.
With The Living Art of Violin Playing, violinists will learn to appreciate the physics and geometry of movement to facilitate a nuanced flow of compression and release in the playing. A gradual building of technique begins from sitting or standing, moves through the torso into the left arm first, sets up an effective bow arm, and then combines the two in a holistic context. Imagery invigorates each of the technical moments, instilling new patterns that are now memorable and integrating each component into larger forms.
Featuring nearly 400 photos and music examples to illustrate technical elements through balance and gesture, Progressive Form can be used as a step-by-step retooling of technique or as a reference for targeted issues. A comprehensive exploration of method in service of musical expression, The Living Art of Violin Playing offers the aspiring and serious violinist a path toward a more liberated musical world.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Maureen Taranto-Pyatt is a professional violinist and poet in the Boston area. She combined her love of imagery with a pursuit of elegant technique to create Progressive Form, thanks in part to her gifted teachers, each just a degree or two of separation from some of the great pedagogues of the 20th century.
REVIEWS
''I have known Maureen for many years and have watched her evolve into an excellent violinist. She has analyzed the methodology of violin playing at a phenomenal level, along with illustrations. I consider this book to be a unique and valuable asset that every serious-minded violinist should have in their library.'' - Max Hobart, former Boston Symphony Orchestra Associate Concertmaster
''Maureen has written a book which provides a phenomenal amount of information presented in a way that gives true insight into violin playing. Progressive Form is the most precise method out there and is without precedence in violin literature.'' - Victor Romanul, violinist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra
