Basics
is a collection of practice methods and exercises, and belongs on the music stand, not on the bookshelf. It can be used by players of all standards, from concert violinists to students. Much of the material is also suitable for teaching elementary players.
Each exercise is designed to achieve the maximum possible result in the least possible time. Some are very short and need to be done only once or twice to explore a particular aspect of technique. Others are practice routines or warm-up exercises that can returned to regualarly.
Basics
is not a book to play through from cover to cover (though, for easy reference, the exercises are numbered sequentially throughout). Everybody's needs are different, and there is little point in practising anything that does not need to be practised.
The book is invaluable, however, in its presentation of the most effective technical work in a single volume, making it possible to work directly on any aspect of technique that needs attention.
Through his thorough research, rich experience and originality, Simon Fischer has gained a worldwide reputation as a powerful and creative spokesman for the principles of modern violin playing. His influence is based on the wide appeal of his simple, effective and straight-to-the-point explanations and demonstrations. Having studied the violin with Yfrah Neaman in London and with Dorothy DeLay in New York, he has been able to unite and develop the best elements of the Franco-Belgian, Russian and American violin traditions.