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‘For public solo playing there are none to equal Stradivarius violins’ - From the archive: August 1896

2026-08-07T09:20:00

John_Dunn

British violinist John Dunn (1866–1940) gives a few thoughts on what makes a great violinist, as well as instruments suitable for an amateur player

I am reminded by a facetious friend of mine of making two omissions in my last article important towards the complete success of a violinist. These are long flowing locks and an unpronounceable name. Absurd as it may appear I really am inclined to believe that an uncommon name and a limited amount of “Samsonian strength” are, to a certain extent, calculated to act as a stimulus to more individuality in one’s artistic efforts. Apart from this, who will question the influence these attributes still continue to exercise over our British public? They are the completion of the virtuosi’s war-paint…

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