This exercise is in the key of G in common time. Count 4 to the measure, playing 4 16th notes to each count. Begin slowly and gradually increase the time until you are playing each group of 4 in the time of one second, and finally must faster.

Observe that the 1st 2 notes of every group are slurred and the last 2 are not. Play moderately loud and be careful of your intonation. Use the whole bow on the 2 slurred 16ths and about a quarter of the bow on 16th notes that are not slurred.

Afterward when great speed is attained use less of the bow; this will bring the 16th notes which are not slurred on the tip of the bow for 1st group and on the heel of the bow for the 2nd group which you will find to be a very pretty and graceful bowing exercise.

Variations on a Theme from Romeo and Juliet

This theme is in the key of G, common time. COunt 4 to the measure. It begins with 2 starting notes on the 4th count and with an up-bow, beginning at the upper 3rd of the bow, using about a half bow length, ending at lower rd. Use the same amount of bow for the staccato quarter notes and about a 3rd of the bow (in the middle) for the staccato 8ths.

In the 2nd measure of the 2nd staff, you find a C with a hold over it, which should be prolonged at least 3 counts, followed by a short cedenza (or flourish) in shape of a rapid scale passage down to D, where there is another hold. Play this passage without counting and as fast as possible without slighting or jumbling it.

L'istesso tempo means: in the same time as the introduction.

In this new movement the bowing is the same as in the 1st strain as far as the 2nd bar where the staccato quarter note is played with a quick down-stroke, which is followed instantly by another down-stroke which requires a whole bow stroke.

In order to do this, a quick change of bow must be made from the upper third to the heel of the bow.

In the 3d bar use whole bow strokes, also in the 1st half of the following measure. Here on the 3rd and 4th beats you have a similar change by 2 up-strokes following each other, except that they are only half bow strokes.

This is as far as we will attempt to go in this piece this week. We will take the balance of it in next week's lesson.

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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