Havas, Kató. 1961. A New Approach to Violin Playing. Foreword by Yehudi Menuhin. London: Bosworth.
- Foundational book detailing the principles of Havas’ approach using natural movements and body balances to relieve tensions, create ease, and to produce a singing, free tone.
- Instruction on how to apply the fundamental balances to all aspects of violin and viola technique: stance, bow strokes, left hand action, string crossings, high positions, double stops, and more.
- Translations: German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish (see below)
- Availability: various webshops, e.g. Musicroom
“I was privileged to witness the teaching of a method of violin playing, entirely new to me, which I believe is capable of revolutionizing the technique of playing … writing as a personal witness I must say that I have been amazed at the result of this unusual approach.”
– Noel Hale F.R.A.M., “The Strad”
“Miss Havas is original in her approach to violin playing because she insists that violin technique must be reducible to basic motions involving more than just the fingertips. …
It is also heartening and equally ‘original’ to find a kindred spirit who holds the whole body to be engaged, thus offering non resistance anywhere – only support – and who realizes that of all things – the state of continual balanc, the equilibrium of all parts, fingers against thumb, arms against shoulder-blades, etc., is the object of all training…”
– Yehudi Menuhin
Translations
Havas, Kató. Translation, 2004, Ein neuer Weg zum Violinspiel. Bosworth Edition.
- German translation
- ISBN: 9783920127002
- 84 pages
- Availability: various webshops, e.g. Musicroom
Havas, Kató. Cuneo, Monica (translation), 2004, A New Approach to Violin Playing. Cremonabooks.
- Italian translation by Monica Cuneo
- 79 pages
- Availability: www.monicacuneo.com
Havas, Kató. Ishikawa, Chisumi (translation), 2015, 「ハヴァシュ・バイオリン奏法」 A New Approach to Violin Playing. YAMAHA MUSIC MEDIA CORPORATION.
- Japanese translation by Chisumi Ishikawa
- Availability: Out of stock. For more information, please contact translator
