These exercises may be partially performed on musical instruments; but they are far more effective if made gymnastically, as directed, because the fingers, in having a resting point, or lever, and having something firm to grasp, are enabled to perform them gymnastically.
FOOTNOTES:
[7] The late Mr Clementi was celebrated for the perfect evenness and beauty of his touch in playing rapid passages on the piano. The means by which he attained this execution he was unwilling to disclose. It is now known that he effected it by playing his scales VERY SLOWLY, and with great pressure of each individual finger (see page 96).
[8] The celebrated violinist, Bernard Molique, told me lately, in London, that when he was called on to play difficult solo pieces in public, he very often played them previously over upon a stick.
CHAPTER XIV.
MECHANICAL FINGER-EXERCISES (CONTINUED).
Moreover, beautiful works of art, like pianofortes, violins, and other musical instruments, ought not to be used as gymnastic implements. They are destined for play, not for gymnastic appliances. The fingers and joints ought, therefore, first to be gymnastically exercised; then play upon the instrument.
The head and the fingers ought to go together; but how is this possible if the latter remain behind? The mind strives forward, the fingers keep it back. Why should this torture be inflicted? No; let the fingers first be properly trained; then head and fingers will go harmoniously together.
Another great advantage attending the above exercises is, that so long as they last, the organs of hearing are spared. Many persons, who zealously and with endurance perform finger-exercises on musical instruments, injure their health, through the irritation of the auditory nerves, to such a degree, as either to be prevented, on medical authority, from continuing to practise, or otherwise to be subjected to serious consequences; whereas, if the exercises are preceded by the gymnastic movements given above, the hearing organs of the pupil will be greatly spared, and not injured in any way.
The greatest technical art consists in controlling alike the fingers, the joints, and the nerves. Now, if the muscles and tendons are exercised and strengthened by proper physical work, the nerves will be invigorated at the same time. This is a well-known fact, and for those engaged in musical pursuits, an advantage which it is impossible to overrate. The fingers then will not be fatigued as easily as before, and you learn at the same time by habit, to acquire complete control over the joints, the muscles, and nerves.
Nor ought another advantage to be overlooked; viz., that in regard to artists and persons who play well, when these travel, or from any other cause are prevented from playing for some time on a musical instrument, they will be enabled, in the manner described above, to exercise efficiently for a short time daily their fingers and joints. Thus the fingers and joints will not get stiff, and you will always remain their master.