Violin Dreams
Violin Dreams by Arnold Steinhardt is a book about Arnold Steinhardt, member of the Guarneri String Quartet, and his musical training. Throughout the book, Arnold talks about his life as a musician, his teachers, his search for the perfect violin, and his complex dreams.
In the first part of the book, Steinhardt talks about his humble beginnings as a violinist. Even for such a now gifted musician, it's comforting to know that Steinhardt never liked to practice as a child. The book details Arnold's journey through the studios of many teachers, each with their own quirks and personalities. He describes having teachers with fiery playing, sweet sensuous sonority, and inspiring technique. He also tells of his adventures preparing for a major violin competition. The journey for him was challenging, yet rewarding.
Early in Arnold Steinhardt's career, he was asked to be assistant concertmaster, sitting next to the great Gingold in the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra. Steinhardt often would solo with the orchestra, and traveled to Europe to receive lessons from Szigeti during the summers to prepare for these performances. Though this was an incredibly good opportunity for a steady income, Steinhardt eventually found orchestra life tedious. He found being a chamber musician was his ideal life. The Guarneri quartet was founded, and Arnold quit the Cleveland Symphony, and became full time first violinist of the quartet.
The book is not only biographical in nature, but also describes Arnold's quest for the perfect violin. He plays many, including a Stradivarius, but ends up playing a Storioni violin that was previously played by a member of the Budapest string quartet. To him, this violin has a dark, yet inviting tone. He had admired the violin's sonority when it was part of the Budapest's sound.
Also prevalent in Steinhardt's book is the imagery of Bach's Chaconne. Throughout the book Arnold tells of dreams he has had playing the Chaconne. This complicated work for violin is one of Bach's masterpieces, and has challenged violinists since it's conception hundreds of years ago. Steinhardt recounts several dreams where he tries to play the piece in front of an audience, but for whatever reason is unable, despite his conscious technical ability.
Violin Dreams is filled with Steinhardt's wonderful writing, and as a result is a joy to read. I would recommend it to any reader interested in music, violin, or Mr. Steinhardt.