This lesson is in the key of D major and introduces 2 pieces of dance music. The polka is of a lively nature in 2/4 time and is classes as a round dance. Count 2 to the measure, playing 1 quarter note, two 8ths or four 16th for each count.

The polka begins with 2 starting notes (16ths) on the last half of the 2nd count. Begin the 16th notes with 2 very short strokes of the bow (down-up) at lower third of the bow. Give each 8th note about a fourth of the bow.; 16ths about an eighth of the bow; quarter notes about half of the bow and dotted quarter, 3/4 of the bow.

At first you need not play the grace notes at all. They are but ornaments to be added after the piece is learned. They have no time value, but merely take their time from the note coming after.

Trio means 3rd part. The trio repeats and has two endings. The 1st ending is indicated by a bracket over 7th and 8th measures with figure 1 under it. The music under this bracket is only played the 1st time and when you repeat the strain, you omit the music under the 1st bracket and play that which is under the 2nd bracket (called 2nd ending) instead. THe small curve with a dot under it means the end of the polka.

Secret Love Gavotte

A Gavotte is a lively dance in common time, a little slower than a Schottische, but is frequently played for a Schottische.

This one begins with the 2nd half of the 3rd beat, and you will notice that its chief peculiarity is that the 2nd beat of the measure is strongly accented. It is written in the keys of D and G; hence in the last two strains you should be sure to play F# and C# and in the 3rd strain F# and C natural must be remembered. Use short strokes of the bow near middle for the 8th notes in 1st strain and long strokes for accented notes also for quarter notes. N.B. When writing always mention instrument. Confine your questions to ONE LESSON ONLY. Give name of lesson, number of staff, number of measure, and be brief. Give full name and address.

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© 2003 R. Fingerson
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