Eva Saladin is regarded as a specialist in the early Baroque violin repertoire played on authentic instruments, using a short, light early Baroque bow, period strings (unwound gut strings), and, among other things, a low holding position for the instrument—a playing style that has received little attention thus far in the early music scene in Vienna. A presentation by master violin maker and restorer Mag. Martin Rainer will provide technical and organological insights. Students will have ample early Baroque bows available to try out, and they will also be able to experiment with a high pitch (466 Hz). However, “materials science” is only one aspect of the course and is intended primarily to spark the students’ interest. The main focus of the masterclass is Italian music for solo violin from around 1600 with basso continuo—the standard repertoire. The improvisational approach (diminution) is particularly important to Eva Saladin and opens up many facets of interpretation. In this regard, harpsichordists and other basso continuo players—and, depending on availability, students from the recorder classes—are also warmly invited to attend the course. A lecture by Johannes Weiss on historical diminution practice will provide a theoretical foundation for this aspect of the course.

Registration by November 7 at altemusik@mdw.ac.at