Bach, Brain, and Bow Mileage: The Pedagogy of Bruno Giuranna

This lecture explores the influential teaching legacy of renowned violist Bruno Giuranna, whose contributions to viola pedagogy have shaped generations of performers and teachers worldwide. Through a structured exploration of his teaching style, technical insights, and interpretative philosophies, the presentation offers a comprehensive view of Giuranna’s lasting impact on the viola world.

The presentation will address the following key points:
• Biography
A brief overview of Giuranna’s life and career, including key milestones in his development as both performer and teacher.
• Giuranna’s Teachers
An exploration of the pedagogical lineage that shaped Giuranna’s own musical foundations.
• Approaches to Right and Left-Hand Technique
A discussion of Giuranna’s methodical approach to both hands, focusing on how he cultivated relaxed, efficient, and musical playing in his students.
• Favorite Etude Books
Insight into the technical exercises and etude books, Giuranna prioritizes with his students to develop both technique and musical sensibility.
• Approaches to the Study of the Viola Repertoire
An overview of how Giuranna taught, emphasizing a logical progression in the choice of repertoire from more approachable to more challenging.
• Giuranna’s Revision of J.S. Bach’s Cello Suites arranged for Viola – Comparing the Two Editions
A brief comparison of his two editions of the Bach cello suites arranged for viola, highlighting how his thinking evolved and what his editorial choices reveal about the musical logic behind his choice of bowings and fingerings.
• Interviewing Other Giuranna Students
Personal reflections and perspectives from former students, offering firsthand insight into Giuranna’s teaching style, impact, and legacy.

This session will be of particular interest to violists, teachers, and anyone engaged in string pedagogy, offering a nuanced portrait of one of the viola’s most important modern pedagogues.