The Art of Violin Playing by Carl Flesch: A Masterclass in Technique and Interpretation
Simply downloading the PDF is not enough. To truly benefit from Flesch's system, you need to practice it intelligently. Here are strategies to get better results:
Specialized exercises to build technical dexterity.
Unlike a traditional violin method book, The Art of Violin Playing is a profound philosophical and technical treatise. It is but rather a detailed exploration of the general laws governing violin playing. The work is divided into two volumes:
A: Only the very first edition (circa 1924) is public domain in the USA. The revised English editions are copyrighted. If you want a better experience, pay for the licensed eBook. It is usually $19.99—cheaper than a single lesson with a teacher.
For a longtime jazz violinist, one practitioner shared this insight: "Play one finger scales (1-2 octaves) on each string using 1st finger, then 2nd, etc. This trains the ear to hear and judge the intervals accurately". This approach can be applied directly to Flesch's scale exercises to develop both intonation and aural awareness simultaneously.
While older versions are often available as public domain PDFs, they use antiquated and dense language that can be difficult for modern students to follow. The Sydney String Centre Contemporary Language:
If you prefer a digital workflow, import your high-quality PDF into an app like (iOS) or MobileSheets (Android/Windows). These platforms allow you to: Crop margins to maximize the size of the music.
The book is split into two essential volumes: