Lecture on Playing Violin Fast

Key Concepts

• Playing Slowly to Play Quickly:
  • The principle that if you can play a piece slowly, you can eventually play it quickly by gradually increasing speed.
  • Demonstration: Starting slow and increasing speed up to 15 notes per second.

Critique of a Violinist

• Discussing a violinist's claim of being the fastest player:
  • The TV appearance claims legitimacy due to airing on BBC News.
  • Concerns over using an electric violin instead of a traditional one.
  • Electric violins make projection easier, reducing challenges.

Violin Types

• Difference Between Violin Types:
  • Traditional violin: Made of wood, four strings.
  • Electric violin: Used in the video, called out as not a true violin.

Practice Insights

• Importance of playing accurately:
  • Speed should not compromise note accuracy.
  • Mumble rap analogy for playing fast without clarity.

Violin Techniques

• Spiccato:
  • A technique to play percussively, not demonstrated accurately in the video.

Instrument Value and Material

• Discussion of a $1.5 million electric violin:
  • Contains 24 karat gold.
  • Criticism: High cost doesn't equate to better performance.

Criticism of Popular Media

• Concerns over playing speed without musical integrity:
  • Importance of maintaining composer’s original intentions and dynamics.

World Record Context

• David Garrett:
  • Previous world record holder.
  • Demonstrated clarity and correct notes unlike the new attempt.

Educational Takeaway

• Encouragement for learning musicians:
  • Focus on accuracy and integrity over speed.
  • Affordable instruments are sufficient for learning and record attempts.