Entries for April 15 - 1911 and 2011 (Spohr and the violin)

Rita's Entry: Saturday, April 15, 1911
Better.  Went down to matinee at 11 to hear a girl play Spohr  concerto no. 8.  Played with her mouth.  Practiced!  Fran went to Fama's.  Mrs. S. and Tin to matinee.  Got in fine licks on concerto here alone.

IN RITA'S DAY: Spohr (above) was almost as famous as Beethoven - and he worked with Ludwig too, but is sort of a forgotten master today.  He was a composer and violinist and invented the violin chin rest (see below).

TODAY: People are still trying to fool with the violin.  There is a website that discusses all the ideas at http://www.violinist.com/discussion/response.cfm?ID=19238 .  I think most inventions are in order to make money rather than make the music better.  The "bow straightener" above is sort of a silly idea, I think - although I don't play the violin.

Judy's Entry: Friday, April 15, 2011
Out for breakfast.  Shopped at Home Depot then came home and planted some violas... in honor of violins!  Then started washing down the vinyl siding on the deck.  It is still in its original (and hideous) blue... I hope to paint it next week.  Got some white mums for Easter centerpiece.