Let me call your attention to the new exercise.
Its particular purpose is the strengthening of certain of the finger
muscles which will be used quite often in playing, the limbering up of
the fingers, and the stretching of the muscular covering of the palms.
This exercise is not a difficult movement, by any means, but if you do
it with considerable muscular resistance by the opposing sets, you will
bring a large number of muscles into play at one effort.
The mind is a wonderful, yet peculiar thing. Some of the fads of great
men typically exemplify this. For example, it is said that Gluck could
only compose in the open air. When the spirit of composition took hold
of him, he dragged his piano out on the lawn, and there evolved his
beautiful harmonies. And yet, to me, do you know, that is not so
peculiar after all. Gluck, I take it, wanted to get close to Nature.
All of us feel the urge to draw nigh to Nature. That is one of the
reasons we so dearly love Music. Music is the portrayal of Nature at her
best.
Another tale they tell is that Chateaubriand dictated his works in his
bare feet. Elegantly attired down to the extremities, he padded softly
up and down the floor, his thin, white feet and ankles very conspicuous
on the dark rugs.
We all have peculiarities of living. And Musicians generally have
similar peculiarities of playing. Do you know what yours are? Better
take stock and see!
Practice this week Exercises 2, 23, 25, and 31.