Practicing Campagnoli #6
IN THIS LESSON
PHRASE 3 -
MEASURE 9-12
The first two phrases were centered in the key of G minor, with a somber quality. The third phrase departs from this mood, introducing optimism and freedom in the key of Bb Major, the relative major of G minor.
This passage contains more notes, which should be delivered in a smooth and seamless flow. The up-bow staccato and accents at its arrival should be executed with ease and grace, avoiding any aggression.
Phase 1 of Practice:
Practice with bow subdivisions: Measure 9 can be approached with 6 bows per beat, while the following measures can be played in 32nd notes (8 bows per beat). Focus on achieving a smooth, buttery bow stroke and begin exploring dynamics during this work.
Start without the printed slurs, playing easy separate bows while learning the left hand pitches.
Begin by working independently on up-bow staccato in the pattern of measure F in our exercise, to master the bow coordination of these string crossings.
Phase 2 of Practice:
Introduce the notes in measure 9 to the stroke once both hands are confident.
Play the printed rhythm (instead of subdividing with the bow).
Integrate the printed bowings.
General Practice Strategies:
Maintain vibrato throughout to enhance relaxation and melodic expression.
Place fingers gently on the strings, feeling contact with the fleshy part of the finger pad to produce a deep, resonant tone.
Work to eliminate any excess sounds during the chromatic movements of fingers (2-2 in measure 9 and 11). Think of playing through the hand frame change, aiming for the arrival to the next beat.
Consider the vibrato you choose for this phrase. With the more optimistic nature of the phrase, I would choose a warm vibrato - somewhat wide and fast.
To master the rhythm, practice subdividing the bow strokes; for instance, play with a 6tuplet or 32nd-note subdivision.
Breaking Down the Phrase & Reference Guide to Previous Exercises:
Measure 9:
Begin in 2nd position, and use a full bow on the first note.
Mentally hear the speed of the 6-tuplet notes during the sustained F, preparing for the subdivision on beats 3 and 4.
The second half of this measure uses up-bow staccato - start slowly, coordinating left-hand placement with the flicking motion of the right wrist. Use a small amount of bow per note even in slow practice to practice pacing bow use.
Practice initially without the crescendo, then incorporate it - you only need to reach about mezzo-piano.
On the A-string, execute a chromatic shift from 2nd finger D to 2nd finger Eb, maintaining 2nd position throughout - make sure you do not leave 2nd position during this!
Measure 10:
Mentally subdivide 16th notes through this whole measure. Move off of the tied G on the second 16th note of beat 3, and note that the subsequent 32nd notes are played twice as fast as 16th notes.
Measure 11:
Again, start with a 16th note followed by 32nds. Ensure these notes are melodious and well-organized, not rushed.
Remain in 2nd position. On the second beat, execute the same 2-2 chromatic shift as in measure 9, maintaining 2nd position.
The final 32nd note is Bb, followed by a grace-note Bb an octave lower (1st finger on G-string). Ensure consistency in intonation between these notes.
Trill from C natural to D natural.
Measure 12:
Focus on producing a round, full sound with warm vibrato. This forte should convey a sense of joyfulness.
Conclude the dotted half note by slowly lifting the bow in an arched motion away from the string, providing a graceful ending to the phrase.
