Chapter XVI

ON STRINGED INSTRUMENTS IN PARTICULAR. THE WRIST OF THE RIGHT HAND.

The following mechanical gymnastic exercises refer to the _wrist of the right hand_, and are intended for players on stringed instruments. Their chief purpose is to render the wrist of the right hand and the forearm strong and flexible. This all students find very difficult; it will soon be evident for what reason.

It is a fact acknowledged by the most celebrated musicians, that the principal bowing difficulties in playing the violin arise from the wrist. This is chiefly owing to the circumstance that, in playing the violin, the movement _sideways_ of the wrist is a peculiar one, being, in fact, totally different from any other movements taking place in the ordinary occupations of life. If, therefore, it be desired to diminish the painful work, as customary at present, it is indispensable to _prepare_ the wrist and arm by exercises like those we are about to describe.

Take three times daily, and particularly early in the morning, a stick or cane exceeding the length of a violin bow by 8-10 inches, holding it in your right hand the same as a bow; lay it on the left hand,—which is to be raised to the same height as if playing the violin or violoncello,—and move it _vigorously_ up and down as follows:

1. The entire length, 30 times;

2. The middle length; with the forearm and wrist only, without moving the upper arm, 30-40 times;

3. At the _nutt_; with the wrist alone,—and especially up-stroke,—with energy; without in the least moving the arm, 30-40 times;

4. At the extreme _head_-end; with the wrist alone, and with pressure; without in the least moving the arm, 30-40 times.

Move the cane alternately up and down, pressing it with the thumb and forefinger, and look at the direction of the wrist and the stick or cane. With this gymnastic cane you may exercise gymnastically, at pleasure, up and down strokes, triplets, and all sorts of bow-movements. The effect you will find surprising.

These exercises are particularly useful for the student. As a matter of course, they can also be _partially_ made with the bow, but _not with the same effect_.