Magic?

March 2, 2007 at 4:49 AM

Our family visited some friends when I was ten years old and saw some magic tricks skillfully demonstrated by their 14 year old son. He was very good and he didn't reveal the tricks to us so when my brothers and I accumulated a little money we bought a few of them from a magic catalog. Imagine our disappointment to learn that it took real skill to make these illusions work. You even had to control the environment and the audience's viewpoint.

None of us took up magic -- too much work.

Not long ago there was a television show that disclosed some of the secrets in some popular magic tricks. Magic's Biggest Secrets Revealed

A lot of folks were outraged. How dare they reveal these secrets!

The world of violin doesn't have any secrets. Or does it?

Paganini guarded his solo parts very closely we're told. Apparently his Nel Cor variations were transcribed by a very talented musician who heard him play them several times. The violinist Ernst was reputed to have followed him on tour to listen and learn. He only took one student that anyone knows about (Sivori).

Even in our modern times I have heard people say that they have learned the secret of some technique or another. It seems ludicrous on the surface. We all know that no matter what the "secret" is, it will take an immense amount of technique, training, and practice to put it to work. But it does beg a question. If someone truly has discovered a hint or a technique that isn't well known are they justified in keeping it a secret?

Does Art demand that they reveal their insight to others or are they justified in keeping it as a commercial trade secret to enhance their value?

What do you think?

From Stephen Brivati
Posted on March 2, 2007 at 6:13 AM

Greetings,
it`s interesting. The only time I have I can recall -reading- about a violinist not willing to share `secrets` (concerned with fingering) is the Way They Play Interview with Anne Sophie Mutter.
In general I don@t think good players are too inclined to talk about secrets. They do come up with interesting ways of doing things but on the whole these things do get passed along.
The most recent one that springs to mind is that amiable showman Ricci in a strad interview about Paginini`s stretch back technique. Heck, I was taught that as a twelve year old kid by my teacher.
Cheers,
Buri

From Kelsey Z.
Posted on March 2, 2007 at 6:27 PM

Secrets in technique...hmm...

I am very lucky to have an incredible technician (and musician!) of the violin to help me out with this crazy violin thing. I can honestly say that I have learned some "tricks" that make the whole process a lot easier in some ways but still a lot of work is required.

I think having a master reveal their secrets is helpful but only to those who really genuinely work hard in order to master those secrets and techniques. In order to make something look effortless and natural it takes a huge amount of work and commitment.

From Jim W. Miller
Posted on March 2, 2007 at 6:39 PM

If it doesn't happen in classical, it does happen in other kinds of music. The answer depends on the context I guess! I heard about a workshop where the guy said at the start that he wasn't going to reveal how to do some things he was known for. I would have probably just walked out at the point. On the other hand, there are stories of people who wouldn't let others watch them too closely or too long, who were actual potential competition, sometimes during some pretty lean times.

From Corwin Slack
Posted on March 2, 2007 at 6:51 PM

I don't think anyone values a violin "trick" as much as they do the effort that goes in to mastering it. But Kelsey, would you reveal the "tricks" you did learn or do you consider them secrets for you only?

From Kelsey Z.
Posted on March 2, 2007 at 7:36 PM

Corwin, I would reveal my tricks. That's my job as an educator! I can give the student the tools they need to make themselves great but it's up to them to actually take those tools and use them. In my experience (which is somewhat limited at this point as I'm only 18!) thus far, there aren't a lot of people who truly take what you say to heart and who are willing to implement the tricks you teach them and put the time and effort needed into mastering them. I teach them, give them the information and ways to practice because I know how grateful I am to my teachers who have done the same for me, but it's up to the individual to decide whether or not they are willing to work at it or not.

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Magic?

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