Studies And Caprices Op.35 For Violin

The Viennese violinist Jakob Dont (1815-1888) was far better known as a teacher than as a performer. He was indeed one of the great teachers of the 19th century. One of his pupils was Leopold Auer the renowned Russian violinist and teacher. In addition to his activities as a pedagogue Dont found time to write a number of books of first-class studies two of which - 24 Etudes And Caprices For The Violin and 24 Exercises Preparatory to Kreutzer are used today wherever the violin is seriously taught.

The Austrian violinist and composer Jakob Dont (1815-1888) very early became a member of the Vienna Hofburg Theatre later of the Court Chapel. Although he had made a name for himself as a soloist he decided in favour of a career in education. For his instrument the violin he wrote about 50 works most of them modern opera pot-pourris and character pieces which are forgotten today. Apart from the preliminary exercises for Kreutzer and Rohde his 'Studies and Caprices' (opus 35) however have become an integral part of violin lessons. Praised by Joachim Auer and Flesch these outstanding studies were edited by Max Rostal in consideration of a modern violin technique andcomplemented by preparatory exercises and variants.

The Austrian violinist Jacob Dont (1815-1888) was a highly-respected composer and pedagogue whose compositions were primarily written for educational purposes. Of his 50+ works his 24 Studies and Caprices (Op. 35) are probably the best known and are often considered to be some of the most important and most technically advanced pieces available for Violin study. All the exercises focus on different aspects of technique including arpeggios double stops dexterity change of position legato change of string types of bowing trills and appoggiaturas. A truly indispensable work for any Violin student or teacher.