A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Division Violin, The

DIVISION VIOLIN, THE, the title of a work which, during the latter part of the 17th century and for some time afterwards, was the favourite vade-mecum of amateur violinists. It was the successor of 'The Division Violist' of Christopher Simpson, first published in 1659. Both works consist of divisions, or variations, upon a given theme or subject, denominated the 'ground.' The earlier work contains instructions for performing such divisions extempore, but the later one is confined to divisions already composed. These are often upon popular song-tunes or other well-known subjects. The first edition of 'The Division Violin' appeared in 1684, engraved on copper plates, and a second part a few years later. Both parts went through several editions, the contents of which varied, but were always derived from the best composers of the day, amongst whom were Henry and Daniel Purcell, Davis Mell, John Banister, Solomon, John, and Henry Eccles, G. B. Draghi, Jeremiah Clark, etc. Some pieces by Corelli are included in some of the latter editions.

[ W. H. H. ]