It is a fact acknowledged by the most celebrated musicians, that the principal bowing difficulties in playing the violin arise from the wrist. This is chiefly owing to the circumstance that, in playing the violin, the movement sideways of the wrist is a peculiar one, being, in fact, totally different from any other movements taking place in the ordinary occupations of life. If, therefore, it be desired to diminish the painful work, as customary at present, it is indispensable to prepare the wrist and arm by exercises like those we are about to describe.
Take three times daily, and particularly early in the morning, a stick or cane exceeding the length of a violin bow by 8-10 inches, holding it in your right hand the same as a bow; lay it on the left hand,—which is to be raised to the same height as if playing the violin or violoncello,—and move it vigorously up and down as follows:
1. The entire length, 30 times;
2. The middle length; with the forearm and wrist only, without moving the upper arm, 30-40 times;
3. At the nutt; with the wrist alone,—and especially up-stroke,—with energy; without in the least moving the arm, 30-40 times;
4. At the extreme head-end; with the wrist alone, and with pressure; without in the least moving the arm, 30-40 times.
Move the cane alternately up and down, pressing it with the thumb and forefinger, and look at the direction of the wrist and the stick or cane. With this gymnastic cane you may exercise gymnastically, at pleasure, up and down strokes, triplets, and all sorts of bow-movements. The effect you will find surprising.
These exercises are particularly useful for the student. As a matter of course, they can also be partially made with the bow, but not with the same effect.
CHAPTER XVII. (CONTINUED).
There is another very effective gymnastic exercise for strengthening and rendering flexible the wrist of the right hand. A movement resembling it has already been described above, but to prevent any misconception, I think it well to give explicit directions respecting it here.