Mazas: Phrase 7 (Copy)

PHRASE 7

MEASURES 53-60 / 65-72

Phrase 7 is a short, four-measure motif repeated four times throughout the piece. Each measure alternates between contrasting characters—from released and brushy to energetic and crisp, maintaining dynamic energy and variety.

General Practice Methods:

1. Practice toggling back and forth between each double-stop to ensure precise movements and landings.

2. To develop a melodic understanding of these double-stops, place your fingers on both strings but bow on one string at a time.

3. Use Double Stop Bow Exercise C to find balance on string levels and practice navigating large string crossings with proper elbow positioning.

4. Use Double Stop Left Hand Exercise D to refine tuning for this passage.

Phase 1 of Practice – Slow and Simple:

1. Begin practicing on the string with separate bows.

2. Practice toggling between sets of double-stops, focusing especially on shifts to double-stops.

3. Vibrato should be applied to longer sforzando notes.

4. Start with a pause between character changes to internalize the upcoming bow stroke.

Phase 2 of Practice – Adding Articulation and Speed:

1. Incorporate the specified bowings and articulations.

2. Continue toggling between double-stops, emphasizing shifts where applicable.

3. Gradually increase tempo with a metronome. Perfect one measure at a time at a quicker tempo and then string them together seamlessly without stopping.

4. Smoothly transition between different bowing techniques without pauses.

Breaking Down the Phrase & Reference Guide to Previous Exercises:

Measure 53:

• Emphasize a released, brushy, and singing bow character.

• Lean into the sforzando with vibrato, maintaining bow control without speeding up, ending around the middle to prepare for the following off-strokes.

• Practice the shift to first position to establish consistent finger placement. Practice aiming with each finger as your anchor to find what is most comfortable and consistent to you.

Measure 54:

• Initially practice without grace notes.

• Utilize a crisp, articulate, and bright off-the-string stroke.

• Maintain relaxed bow fingers to avoid harsh sound on the thinner strings.

• Shift during open C back to third position for the next measure.

Measure 55:

• Maintain a released, brushy, and singing bow character.

• Apply vibrato to the sforzando, controlling bow weight while saving bow.

• Adjust for the lower, thicker strings by using slightly slower bow speed.

Measure 56:

• Begin practicing without grace notes.

• Execute a crisp, articulate, and excited off-the-string stroke.

• Engaged bow fingers to achieve a round and articulate sound on this thicker string.