The Bridge: Connecting Violin and Fiddle Worlds

In music-instrument language a bridge usually refers to the part of the violin that supports the strings and transfers its vibrations to the instrument’s body. It conducts the sound as well as the music produced by the player. In a wider sense, however, a bridge is a passage that connects two worlds, that of the violin and the fiddle. This is the second edition - with a new foreword and a musical piece, The Fiddle Bridge, dedicated to the author - of Pronker-Coron's influential exploration of the resonance between classical violin playing and fiddling.What Others Say About The BookAnnemieke Pronker-Coron has written a very personal story that many classical string players will recognize. It shows how the classical style of tuition does not allow for much stylistic flexibility on the instrument. Through her journey she has been able to connect with many great players from the American fiddle world who have some gems of insights to offer on bowing and other topics. Her plea to connect the two worlds is very timely as the classical scene is starting to open up and look for a more ‘crossover’ approach. A recommended read that makes a clear case for doing away with unnecessary boundaries between styles. It’s all music, after all.Tim Kliphuis, Dutch Gypsy Jazz Violinist, Improvisation Teacher (Amsterdam Conservatoire), and Teacher (Grappelli-Django Camp Summer School)Both a personal narrative and a manual for teachers, Pronker-Coron makes a persuasive argument that the classical techniques of baroque violin have some remarkable similarities to fiddle technique. She hopes to dispel the myth that classical and fiddle are mutually exclusive, arguing that the two disciplines strengthen each other through mutual understanding and overlapping techniques. An interesting and thought-provoking read, especially for instructors or those with one foot in each musical world.Desiah Melby, Educator (Amherst High School, Amherst, WI), Art and Design Teacher (University of Wisconsin, Stephens Point), and Author for Fiddler Magazine This book is a beautiful blend of studious research, passion and practical application. For those wishing to traverse between the worlds of fiddle and violin, this book provides plenty of resources on how to do so, regardless of what you call your instrument. I learned so much reading this (such as how much I have in common with a baroque violinist) and Annemieke brilliantly articulates the tenets I’ve always believed in as a fiddle player, a perspective I will definitely reference in my own teaching!Andrew Finn Magill, All-Ireland Fiddle Finalist, Irish, American, and Brazilian Fiddler and EducatorA fantastic book for the violinist who wants to become a fiddler. [Pronker-Coron] does a fantastic job providing clarity to those wanting to Bridge the Gap.Mitch Corbin, Fiddler, Mandolin Player, and National Guitar-Picking ChampionThe Bridge is a welcome and refreshing addition to literature that guides and inspires violinists and fiddlers in their lifelong musical journeys. [...] Through relating and illustrating her personal experiences in disciplined classical training, studying baroque music and learning a variety fiddle styles, Pronker-Coron builds bridges between various forms of violin and fiddle music. [...] Music is indeed a universal language, and this volume helps bring violinists and fiddlers closer through appreciation of the riches both musical spheres have to offer.Robert Stone, Folklorist and Media Producer Read more