Allegretto means- a little lively; g- means softly, quietly.

This theme begins with an unaccented beat; it has 3 starting notes, it starts after the 3rd count (on the last half of the 3rd count).

All three 8th notes have dots over them which are also covered by a slur. This is called semi-staccato (half-staccato) and is played with 3 distinct up-strokes of the bow, without allowing the hair of the bow to leave the strings.

A staccato stroke is produced by stopping the bow without allowing the hair to leave the string or to quiver or tremble. Just stop quie6ly without any jerk, because the hair of the bow puts a stop to the vibrations of the string and produces the staccato. A staccato may be made for a note of any length.

We begin with 3 up strokes of the bow as we say "and 4 and". The 1st full measure may be counted:- 1-2-3 &-4 & (or without the word "and"). The arrow-like sign over the 2nd note in the 2nd measure and subsequent measures is an accent mark.

Var. 1 means 1st variation; this begins with 2 semi-staccato up-strokes. The 1st one is 3 times as long as the 2nd, but the two together are only as long as one count. This is followed by an arpeggio (broken chord) movement in triplets with dots over each note, (staccato) which indicate that these notes must each lose one half of its time value and that a distinct rest be made between each note, as heretofore explained.

Observe the accent marks under the 1st note of the 1st triplet, also over 1st note if 3rd triplet in the 1st 2 measures.

This variation will require long and arduous practice and should be taken very slowly at first, counting 1 & & 2 & & 3 & & 4 & &, in order to be sure to get the staccato notes even and clear and the rests between them distinct. When this is accomplished you may gradually increase the tempo, omitting the extra words, simply counting 1-2-3-4- playing a triplet (3 notes) to each count. Later on (not now) this may also be played with the bounding staccato bow.

Var. II. (2nd variation) is a legato study to be played with long even bow strokes as shown by the slurs. Cantando means: in a smooth singing style.

Var. III. (3rd variation) is also staccato. This begins with 4 slurred 16th notes with an up-bow, starting with the 4th count. Count 1-2-3-4, playing four 16th notes to each count. Accent the 1st and 3rd count.

The 1st 2 measures are scale passages, but beginning with the 3rd measure we encounter 8th notes with double dots under or over them with short dashes across their stems. These are abbreviations and indicate that two 16ths must be played for every 8th note that is printed. This variation may be used later on for the bounding bow staccato, with fine effect but not until great speed has been acquired.

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.

back

© 2003 R. Fingerson
contact me