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The Violin: A Social History of the World's Most Versatile Instrument

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Description

The life, times, and travels of a remarkable instrument and the people who have made, sold, played, and cherished it. A 16-ounce package of polished wood, strings, and air, the violin is perhaps the most affordable, portable, and adaptable instrument ever created. As congenial to reels, ragas, Delta blues, and indie rock as it is to solo Bach and late Beethoven, it has been played standing or sitting, alone or in groups, in bars, churches, concert halls, lumber camps, even concentration camps, by pros and amateurs, adults and children, men and women, at virtually any latitude on any continent. Despite dogged attempts by musicologists worldwide to find its source, the violin’s origins remain maddeningly elusive. The instrument surfaced from nowhere in particular, in a world that Columbus had only recently left behind and Shakespeare had yet to put on paper. By the end of the violin’s first century, people were just discovering its possibilities. But it was already the instrument of choice for some of the greatest music ever composed by the end of its second. By the dawn of its fifth, it was established on five continents as an icon of globalization, modernization, and social mobility, an A-list trophy, and a potential capital gain.In The Violin, David Schoenbaum has combined the stories of its makers, dealers, and players into a global history of the past five centuries. From the earliest days, when violin makers acquired their craft from box makers, to Stradivari and the Golden Age of Cremona; Vuillaume and the Hills, who turned it into a global collectible; and incomparable performers from Paganini and Joachim to Heifetz and Oistrakh, Schoenbaum lays out the business, politics, and art of the world’s most versatile instrument. 16 pages of illustrations Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ W. W. Norton & Company; 37347th edition (December 10, 2012)


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 736 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 039308440X


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 05


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 0.035 ounces


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.6 x 1.9 x 9.6 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #852,712 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #697 in Violins (Books) #6,404 in Historical Study (Books)


#697 in Violins (Books):


#6,404 in Historical Study (Books):


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If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Monday, Jan 13

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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Unique, groundbreaking, comprehensive
Dr. Schoenbaum's remarkable and comprehensive book about the violin and the network of cultural and commercial institutions that has grown up around it, is truly groundbreaking. As a violin collector, I am more than moderately familiar with the world of violin experts, competent or sham, and of violin dealers, honest or venal. This book is the first I've seen that addresses the underbelly of the violin world accurately and competently. Dr. Schoenbaum's research tapped the expertise of violin world insiders directly. I first heard of his project when my friend, Robert Bein, the late, great Chicago violin expert and dealer, told me that Dr. Schoenbaum was "the real deal", a serious researcher seeking accurate information (as opposed, I suppose, to a yellow journalist seeking sensation). I know that Bein and many other fiddle-world luminaries spent hours and hours with Dr. Shoenbaum educating him on the twists and turns and lore of the violin trade. I believe this book is unique in that it enjoyed the active cooperation and trust of those who really are involved in the violin business. Of course, "The Violn" goes far beyond a mere discussion of the violin trade. It is also presents the fascinating history of the instrument's development, the incredible genius of the early Cremonese makers, the colorful personalities of artists that perform on the violin, and the unique significance of the instrument as a totem of Western culture. Oh, and did I mention that the book is entertaining, witty and exceedingly well written? ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2012 by Dr. Dave

  • An Amazing Book about a Fascinating Subject
There is the violin, and then there is the world of the violin. I know that world pretty well, and I can tell you that Dr. Schoenbaum has covered it well and accurately. That world spans 500 years, from times that we'd hardly recognize to five minutes ago. Not only have violins been in use for these five centuries, but many specific violins have been in continual daily use, some of them for over 350 years. These cantankerous tough little one pound wonders get used, over used, and abused daily, yet are sometimes as good as new. But it is the people of that world--the makers, dealers, players, listeners, composers, repairers, collectors, painters, and writers--that this book deals with, and how the violin effected them and their lives. And it is surprising to see the scope of it. To paraphrase the jacket notes for a recording of the Four Seasons by John Corigliano (Sr.) some years ago: Just to play the damned notes in tune is a major achievement. That's a beginning for how I feel about this book: for Schoenbaum to have merely covered so much material is an achievement in itself. But he's done more. He's done it beautifully and has cared enough to get it right. His section on the working lives of violinists through the ages is something I haven't seen anywhere else. I admit that it might be an easier read for those of us for whom names like Salomon, Savart, or Saunders are old friends. There is so much information crammed into every page that it might be at first daunting to others. But if you have any interest at all in the violin, this book will be well worth the money. And it also will point the way toward other wonderful sources. I treasure this book. Thank you David Schoenbaum. The violin world owes you a debt of gratitude. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2013 by Will Logan

  • "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Violin Origins"
I have played the violin for many years and now have two talented granddaughters who not only play this fabulous instrument but perform all over the City of New York! Many years ago I read a marvelous book that I think was called "The Violin Hunter." I have been looking for it now for several decades to no avail. When I found this new book, I was hoping it would be much like the beloved book I have unable to locate. Well, I am happy to say that this new book is truly amazing! I agree with many of the other reviewers regarding the first 100 pages. This is a very complete history that takes time to plow through. As a lover of books, who reads a book every day or two, it took some pacing to get into the "meat" of this volume. It has been well worth the effort. I have had to put it aside several times in order to read several other books that came to my attention. However, I find myself thinking about the content of Mr. Schoenbaum's book and can't wait to finish it. It is truly wonderful reading even if you have never picked up the instrument. If you have enjoyed playing a violin or just love to listen to the music produced by those who really have the "gift," I can't recommend this book more. A Terrific Read!!! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2013 by granny1

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