Handbook Of Violin Playing - Online tutorial

Share page


	THE TECHNIQUE OF VIOLIN PLAYING.	41
	Here two notes are included in one bow, thus causing it to resemble the skipping stroke. Only the upper half of the bow is used, and it is held lightly with the thumb and first two fingers. 5. The Ponticello. This is executed with the bow lying quite close to the bridge, whereby the tone becomes somewhat nasal. When so produced by the whole string orchestra it often makes a fine effect. 6. Flautando. Also with the bow resting on the string, but, unlike the foregoing bowing, it is executed just over the fingerboard. The notes so played yield a delicate flute-like quality of tone. Arpeggi. By arpeggi is meant the intervals of a chord in quick succession. These may be extended over three or four strings with the most varied bowings and rhythms. Particular care must be taken to keep the wrist flexible.*

	* In the above examples the lowest note is played with a firm accent, beginning with the down bow, the wrist remaining flexible. In example e the bow should be turned over so as to bring the hair almost flat upon the string, (the hair preferably being rather tighter than usual). A slight "jerk" imparted to the down stroke sends the bow skipping over the strings of its own accord, on repeating the same arpeggio a few times. Tr.