THE JOACHIM BOWING AND OTHERS:
THE LEFT HAND
Edmund Severn's activity in the field of violin music is a three-fold
one: he is a composer, an interpreting artist and a teacher, and his
fortuitous control of the three vital phases of his Art make his views
as regards its study of very real value. The lover of string music in
general would naturally attach more importance to his string quartet in
D major, his trio for violin, 'cello and piano, his violin concerto in D
minor, the sonata, the "Oriental," "Italian," "New England" suites for
violin, and the fine suite in A major, for two violins and piano, than
to his symphonic poems for orchestra, his choral works and his songs.
And those in search of hints to aid them to master the violin would be
most interested in having the benefit of his opinions as a teacher,
founded on long experience and keen observation. Since Mr. Severn is
one of those teachers who are born, not made, and is interested heart
and soul in this phase of his musical work, it was not difficult to draw
him out.