The Proof is in the Pudding

Last Wednesday the first copies of ‘Paganini for Violin Virtuosity’ left our doorstep for destinations both near and far. By today there must be many getting a taste of the ‘pudding’ that lies inside. I hope it satisfies beyond expectation.

Now, for those of you still unconvinced by what you’ve read, I’ve some news. My webmaster has been so good as to augment the Paganini page with video

By clicking the link below and scrolling down a bit you can listen and watch me perform #24.

Some of my colleagues have expressed disbelief that I would present such ‘unvarnished’ offerings – not that they’ve seen or heard them.

‘After all,’ they maintain, ‘the public is used to viewing and listening to highly edited and mastered products these days. Where every note can be electronically pitch-tuned and every scratch eliminated.’

Well guess what, I’m betting there are a lot of people left in this world that are tired of slick, ultra-doctored recordings that leave you wondering what the person actually would sound like if in the same room with you.

That’s not how I listened to Milstein for three years, mind you. And let me tell you something, it was incredible to be an arms length away from his violin while he poured his soul right into it.

Did I hear a little scratch now and then, an e string whistle or two?

You betcha.

But for me they added to the spontaneity of the moment and in no way marred the effect of what was coming through him.

So, how about playing to an empty room. Was it difficult for me to perform for just a microphone and video camera as my audience?

Well, I won’t say it was the easiest thing I’ve ever done.

In fact, without a fairly developed power of visualization I’d say it would’ve been near impossible.

What I did was to visualize a person standing in place of the camera. And that person was YOU, my intended audience.

By giving you the ‘unvarnished truth’ I want you to hear and see exactly what is possible by following my methods. Now go, taste some pudding, and then get your violin out for a really terrific practice.

Here’s the link. Remember, once you’re there you will need to scroll down a bit to find the video.

All the best,

Clayton Haslop

P.S. Bear this in mind as you watch, I practice between 1 1/2 and 3 hours a day. I don’t say this to brag. Merely to point out how effective my methods are in achieving a high level of performance without spending the 3, 4, even 5-6 hours a day many violinists feel they must put forth for this kind of result. Come, have a look-hear.