JAVS Spring 2001

VOL. 17 No.1

28

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN VIOLA SOCIETY

D. Playing is based on weight and speed on a contact point. In the following two excerpts, use gravity as an ally, releasing the bow arm weight for production of a deep and ringing sound. Pressure over and into the bow will not achieve the same open and ringing sound. The following points will aid in weight release: • It is essential to keep both thumbs loose. • Generally, straight lines from the elbow to the hand are helpful. Excess bend in the wrist makes this arm weight transfer into the bow more difficult. • The bow hold should be loose enough that you can feel the vibrations of the stick in the thumb and fingers. • Left hand fingers should feel weighty as well. Allow them to just drop onto the string, not squeeze!

Ex. 4. Hindemith, Trauermusik, second section

Ex. 5. Hindemith, Trauermusik, third section

III '-· Lebhaft 3

r"1 &tEF?ff 1 t· r

~ r r'r r

"ild

1

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f

fl

E. In the following excerpt, try to keep the body relatively still-only the arms, hands and fingers should move. Relax the lower back before long shifts and other challenging spots.

Ex. 6. Schubert, Arpeggione Sonata, first movement

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3 1 • • • • q . · ~~3 IIH " Jf JmP ad I tft!Lf £ f f-lill tptf Ff i 1 F :=-p•··' sui D cresc. f ==- p Allegro moderato 1 1 ~ ~ ; b •

F. Feel pulse deeply, in the muscles and blood vessels.