ABSTRACT
This chapter forms a detailed study of many of the contemporary trends as they impacted on the violin family. It examines interesting issues pertinent to the viola, cello and double bass. The chapter shows how the 'melting pot' of British culture and the dominant amateur market dealt with the convergence of styles and techniques, an issue made all the more relevant by the transitional nature of the early nineteenth century. Britain and especially England had a significant part to play in the development of the bow. Violin technique, like singing style, has a great deal of relevance beyond the instrument itself, a fact recognized by both contemporary and present-day commentators. The chapter discusses technique and other performance practice issues dealing first with the left hand position and movement, and then right hand position and movement. It also examines how the contents of the teaching material relate to mainstream violin repertoire in Britain.
