This is a very pretty air in the key of A minor and in order that you may prepare yourself for this solo you must play and name the scale of A minor viz:- A-B-C-D-E-F-G#-A both ascending and descending. Begin on the A on the G string and run a 2 octave scale to A on the E string and back down naming each note as you play it. Of course you understand that there is no music for this scale practice; you are expected to play it without music. Do this every day before playing this piece.

This piece is in common time. Count 4 to a measure about as fast as 2 seconds to the measure, playing a quarter note every half second.

Con moto means with motion, meaning rather lively; dolce means softly, sweetly.

This air is to be played staccato and semi-staccato (half-staccato). The 1st quarter note is staccato, and the next 2 are semi-staccato, played with 3 up-strokes of the bow.

The 1st quarter note being staccato (see dot under it) must be played as thought it were an 9th note followed by an 8th rest, and owing to the fact that it is followed by 3 semi-staccato notes (slurred staccato) which must be played with 3 up-strokes, which should each get a third of the bow, it will be necessary to play the 1st note of each measure with a whole bow. Now a whole bow on an 8th note will require quite a little practice to get it without any harshness but it is well worth working for.

The 1st variation is written with 8th notes. THe 1st note of each group is staccato followed by three 8th notes played legato with one bow-stroke; pay attention to the expression marks.

The 2nd variation is to be played softly and sweetly with expression with a legato style; 2nd strain begins loud and ends soft.

The 3rd variation is to be played brilliantly and with as much speed as possible. It is written in triplets; count 4 to the measure and play one triplet for each count.You must play this staccato, and later on when great speed is acquired play it with bouncing bow which may be produced by putting a slight pressure on the bow stick with the 3rd finger of the right hand, holding the bow in such a manner that the thumb is directly under the 2nd finger so that the 1st and 3rd fingers on the upper side of the stick make it teeter on the thumb. Hold the bow over the strings about half an inch above it and let it fall on the string; when it strikes the string the weight of the 3rd finger on the stick will cause it to rebound again and again and after some practice you will gain control of the bouncing, starting and stopping it at will.

THere is work enough in this solo for you to be interested for some weeks, devoting a little time to it daily after studying new lessons.

It may be well to mention that Piano accompaniment to this piece may be had. It is published in a collection with 4 or 5 other solos some of which are also in this course. This collection may be had with extra 1st violin part for 50 cents.

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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