Yuri Yankelevich (1909–1973) was one of the most important and influential Russian violin teachers in the twentieth century. He taught at the Moscow Conservatory from 1936 to 1973 and produced an exceptional number of brilliant violinists including Viktor Tretyakov, Vladimir Spivakov, Mark Kopelman, Arkadi Futer, Nelli Shkolnikova, and many others. Translated from the original Russian, this book contains two of Yankelevich’s original methodological texts available to English readers for the first time. In “Setting up the Violin and Bow Hold” Yankelevich examines each element of positioning the ... More

Yuri Yankelevich (1909–1973) was one of the most important and influential Russian violin teachers in the twentieth century. He taught at the Moscow Conservatory from 1936 to 1973 and produced an exceptional number of brilliant violinists including Viktor Tretyakov, Vladimir Spivakov, Mark Kopelman, Arkadi Futer, Nelli Shkolnikova, and many others. Translated from the original Russian, this book contains two of Yankelevich’s original methodological texts available to English readers for the first time. In “Setting up the Violin and Bow Hold” Yankelevich examines each element of positioning the right and left hands in the context of the past methodological literature and discusses how a good setup may create the most favorable conditions for eliminating tension and ensuring optimal playing movements. In “Shifting Positions in Conjunction with the Musical Goals of the Violinist” Yankelevich offers a thorough analysis of shifting based on a series of oscillographic readings. Yankelevich examines each shifting technique in light of how it may best serve the performer’s musical goals and provides practical suggestions based on his pedagogical practice. Additionally, the book includes an introduction detailing the background of this branch of the Russian Violin School and extended commentary on his teaching methods by Maya Glezarova and Vladimir Grigoryev. These commentaries illustrate Yankelevich’s analytical, integral, and psycho-physiological approach. Further resources and commentary from Yankelevich’s students are provided on the companion website.