Sevcik, Opus 6

Written by Bryan Goodhead
Published: November 11, 2013 at 4:18 AM [UTC]

I am a huge fan of the works of Otakar Sevcik. I know that most aspiring violinists are familiar with his Opus' 1, 2, 7, 8 & 9, but I recently secured a copy of his Opus 6, I through VII. it is a violin course for "beginners". After so many years of struggling and trying to figure out how things are done, this "basic" course is what has been missing for me. I am so excited about it. I know that the Suzuki system is so loved and respected, however, I find it to be quite lacking, in my humble opinion. I feel that with Sevcik's Opus 6, I have been given a second chance to go back and learn things that I should have been shown as a younger player, but never knew existed. A solidifying of techniques in a thorough manner. I HIGHLY recommend this so-called "basic" course. Parts V and VI are fantastic. I'm sorry that some courses out there only promote a general making of a decent sound. Although I feel robbed, I also feel a personal renaissance! Thanks for letting me share!

From Stephen Brivati
Posted on November 11, 2013 at 4:54 AM

Greetings,
it's great that yu found something that works for you and you can really enjoy. I note that you missed out opus three. I don't know if it ws intentional or not but I think that would be an error if one is faking the bowing exercises seriously. op2 is intended for arm training and op three the wrist or it may be the other way round. I have not used them for years. Sorry. But the necessity of doing both is emphasized by Flesch in his art of violin playing where he recommends doing five exercises from each in tandem on a daily basis until both sets are complete.
From a left hand point of view I personally think Fischers scale manual does the job . With sevcik one has to very careful that the actual basic set up is working ok. Just doing the exercises will not resolve problems but will improbably ingrained them if one is not careful.
nonetheless it is an interesting road and I look forward to reading of your progress.
Cheers,
Buri

From 149.164.140.229
Posted on November 11, 2013 at 2:03 PM

I couldn't agree more! I have been using Sevcik's works for many years, but I recently came across this volume and have been using it with great results with my beginning and intermediate students.

Cheers!
Derek Reeves

From Bryan Goodhead
Posted on November 11, 2013 at 2:58 PM

Hello Buri, Thank you for your comments. First of all, I LOVE that Simon Fischer "Scales" book. Between that and Sevcik's introduction to the Opus 11, "School of Intonation", one's awareness can grow exponentially. I wish that the Suzuki system had taken the time spell out the subtle nuances of finger placement in certain keys. I try to understand that Suzuki's aim as something different entirely, yet I do feel short changed. I read one of your posts recently concerning the fact that many violinists neglect to master 2nd and 4th positions. Sevcik's Opus 6 covers that, and thoroughly, as usual. I really took that advice to heart. Sevcik's Opus 9, on double-stopping has been a painful experience in many ways. The Opus 6 makes the Opus 9 more manageable by showing the student to leave fingers in place in arpeggio passages and such. It sounds, basic, I know, but now, double-stopping is becoming more consistent. I had to rave about Opus 6 and thank you for letting me share. I have the Opus 3, but I haven't REALLY delved into it just yet. Once Simon Fischer's "The Violin Lesson" arrives, I should have his whole book collection. Those are amazing. I had a wonderful teacher, but back then, we really didn't have access to great information via the internet. We haven't even discussed D.C. Dounis yet! Nice to meet you, Buri!

From Stephen Brivati
Posted on November 11, 2013 at 11:03 PM

Hi Bryan,
nice to talk to your Have written a blog on sevcik. Looking forward to your thoughts,
Buri

This entry has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.

Sevcik, Opus 6

Laurie's Books

Subscribe