Definitions Slur: “A curved line grouping notes together.” Legato: “Bound together (literally, ‘tied’). Without interruption between the notes; smoothly connected, whether in one or several …read more
Slurred Bowings
Smooth Slurs
When playing slurs with descending notes listen for clear articulation and lift the fingers with energy. When crossing strings at a slow tempo a whole-arm …read more
Staccato Slurs
Play each note staccato within the slur. This is a good way to check coordination of the bowstroke with the left-hand fingers, bow division, and …read more
Slurs in Tree Swing
Change to the new note in the middle of the whole-bow stroke. Focus on clear left-hand articulation and a fluid string-crossing action. This excerpt is …read more
Round Bow in Rigaudon
Sounding out a double-stop over the change of string is a way to practise a round bow in string crossing. In performance, make the crossing …read more
Silent Left-Hand Practice
Playing passages of descending slurred semiquavers (sixteenth-notes) with even rhythm and clear articulation presents a challenge. This is especially so when the passage includes string …read more
Pulsing in Rigaudon
This is a practice technique for passages that combine slurs with separate notes and therefore require thoughtful bow division. Pay special attention to the clarity …read more
Introduction to Combined Bowings
Combined bowings can easily be neglected, which is one reason why working through Sevciks Opus 3, Forty Variations, the Kreutzer Studies with variations, and a …read more
Combined Bowings with Practice Breaks
Here Fintan is working on maintaining bow friction. This is a practice technique using an exaggerated bow friction that is maintained while crossing strings. Please …read more
Two of Each
A forearm bowing action with flexible hand and fingers helps you play with a clear resonant sound in both the slurred and détaché notes. Combined …read more