This is first block of rosin I bought as an adult:
Rosin, for the uninitiated, is the stuff that string players rub on their bow hair to help it grip the strings. See how it gleams. Isn’t it lovely? The sight of it, like the familiar smell of my viola when I first reopened the case, brought back so many memories. I get a great deal of satisfaction from flicking open the metal claps of my case, pushing back the lid, grabbing my viola by the neck, attaching my shoulder rest, tightening my bow, and finally, putting some rosin on. There is so much pleasure in these little rituals.
I’ve been looking around your blog and I love it! I was violinist when I was a child, and I very embarassingly gave it up in my teens as I felt it wasn’t cool enough. I would love to get back to playing again, so your blog is truly an inspiration. My dear mum-in-law started playing the violin again in her sixties and she now plays for a well known classical group in her little town.
Thanks v much, Michelle. Ah yes, the teen years can be tough. Do, do start playing again, it really is a different kettle of fish as an adult. Very inspired by your mum-in-law, I would love to play in a group or orchestra eventually – it may take some time though…
Enjoyed your blog
I played the viola throughout secondary school, it is a lovely instrument. I left mine behind when I left home at 19 and after a few years my dad started having lessons. Part of me would love to start playing again…
Thank you for dropping by
I stopped soon after leaving home – did take the viola with me just very rarely actually did anything with it! Is your dad still playing? If not, time to reclaim your viola?! It is a rather special instrument. I also played clarinet in my yoof but since I’ve only just about got time for one instrument these days, the viola won.
My dad is still playing, and sometimes plays in a group called Funky Strings, so I think it is really his now…