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Virtuoso hands

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Abstract

This article discusses what it means for the hands to play a musical instrument. It gives an impression of the time a musician spends practising and performing. Hand function is discussed by instrument, and an explicit description is given of technical aspects such as the position of a violinist's fingers on the strings. Furthermore, individual differences and the influence of composers are discussed. Finally, the warm-up and the psychological burden on the musician are examined.

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Correspondence to Rob Nolet.

Additional information

Rob Nolet is an independent physiotherapist in Amsterdam, adviser to the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and board member and co-founder of Sanitas in Musica, Musicis Sanitas Foundation and the Harm and Harmony in Musicians Foundation (1988).

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Nolet, R. Virtuoso hands. Clin Rheumatol 32, 435–438 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-013-2186-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-013-2186-6

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