  In introducing this little work on Violoncello Playing, a few words of thanks and explanation are perhaps necessary. My thanks are due to the professional friends, and students—and also to others with whom I am not personally acquainted, who have spoken or written concerning the benefit they have derived from the study of the "Chats" during the serial "run" in The Strad. It is a great pleasure to find that through the perusal of these crude literary efforts, some few have derived pleasure or assistance—that some difficulty has been made easier of mastery. An explanation will assist any who fail to realize the limitations and intentions of a work of this description. In the first place it is impossible to thoroughly exhaust the whole science and art of 'cello technique and 'cello playing; recognising this, it has been my aim to draw on my own experience as a teacher of the instrument, rather than follow in the trail of any existing work. With respect to the intentions of the work, nothing can equal viva-voce instruction and the personal supervision of a good master, but it is to be feared that many who are really talented cannot afford lessons from anyone who is thoroughly capable of directing their studies—it is this class of player who will derive the most benefit from a conscientious study of the ensuing pages; may the instructions contained therein, direct and stimulate him to that which is good and artistic. ARTHUR BROADLEY. Bradford, Yorks., |
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