JAVS Fall 1995

36

The Expressive shift can be divided into three types: 1. Shifting on the oldfingerand landingdirectly on the newfinger.

When shifting on the old finger, one must be careful not to slide too heavily. Taste, judg ment, and a discriminating ear must be used to assure that the shift is not overdone; otherwise the desired expressive quality would be replaced by a smear. If asked what kind of expression this shift evokes, the adjective I would use is "voluptuous." 2. Shifting lightly most of the way on the oldfinger and then gradually placing the new finger down asyou slide into the new noteon the newfinger. This type of shift can be used to evoke two types of expressive quality. It can make the pas sage being played sound sensuous or intense, depending on a number of other factors. At this point I must emphasize that this article is limited to one aspect of technique: shifting. But when we discuss "expressive" shifting, we must also take into account the speed and intensity of the shift, the speed, intensity, and width of the vibrato on either end of the shift, and the speed, amount of compactness, and focal point of the bow during the passage in which the shift occurs. 3. Shifting on the same finger. This type of shift, when used expressively, can evoke the qualities of either of the other two types of shifts, depending on how much pressure is released as the finger leaves the old note and the manner of arrival on the new note.

It would be profitable to practice a number of finger combinations in shifting: 1. Shifting from a finger to the same finger.

2 2 2 2 ='"

2 2 2 2 """

2 2 2 2 I"'"" """'"

1 1 1 1

1 1 1 1

1 1 1 1

Example 2

This exercise can be practiced on all four strings. It should also be done with the third and fourth fingers. 2. Shifting from a lower finger to a higher finger. This has a number of possible combinations. a. First finger to the second finger

First finger to the third finger First finger to the fourth finger

b. Second finger to the third finger Second finger to the fourth finger c. Third finger to the fourth finger 3. Shifting from a higher finger to a lower finger. (See Example 1) a. Second finger to the first

b. Third finger to the first finger Third finger to the second finger c. Fourth finger to the first finger Fourth finger to the second finger Fourth finger to the third finger