Demon or philosopher: the artist and teacher Tibor Varga

Abstract

The Hungarian violinist and pedagogue Tibor Varga (1921–2003) was a performer of formidable technical ability whose playing was characterised by a vibrant and powerful tone and a unique approach to phrasing. He is rarely acknowledged among the great violinists of the twentieth century notwithstanding his legacy of compositions, recordings and teaching which indicates that the field of violin performance and education may have much to gain from his approach to playing and teaching. At this point, there is no comprehensive presentation of his contribution to violin playing and teaching. This research project presents and analyses Tibor Varga’s approach to performance and pedagogy and places it in the context of violin pedagogy from the seventeenth century to today. Significant influences are identified and the advantages and disadvantages of his technical conceptions, approach to practice, performance, and his psychology of teaching are discussed critically. Significant violin pedagogical literature, journal articles about Varga, interviews, literature on psychology in music education and direct information gathered in lessons is used to inform this investigation. Varga’s original contributions to the development of violin playing are presented and unique approaches to practice and performance are highlighted. The concept of an ‘old school’ of playing and teaching and its place in contemporary teaching that is the result of scientific research in the twentieth century is discussed. Encouraging students to think for themselves is identified as fundamental to a successful didactic approach and revealed as central to Tibor Varga’s philosophy of teaching.