This lesson is given to you not only as a pretty selection, a solo which you may play at any time, but also in particular as a bowing exercise and, in order to be absolutely certain that you bow correctly every measure should be divided into 12 beats or counts. Count: 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 5 & 6 &. The reason is that there are dotted 8th notes. These are to be played as 16ths followed by a 16th rest.

To count as directed is a little tiresome, but it will compel you to play correctly.

You know that to play single notes, your right forearm must change the direction of the bow for every one.

WHen a slur is over two or more notes, it signifies that one direction of the bow only must be used and one movement.

If dots are over notes, it signifies that you should bow in one direction only, but a short stop is made between each note without leaving the strings. This is a mild staccato.

The first two staves give you the melody proper. Variations follow while playing where the original melody must be prominent.

Begin the study of this selection at first in such slow time that you will be able to play the variations in the same tempo. When you have done this and played each and every note correctly, when you may play a little faster.

"Piu moto" at the beginning of the third staff signifies livelier. "Piu Lento" - slower. "Presto" - fast.

An excellent study to improve the limberness of the right forearm and wrist is given on the 8th and 9th staves. There you must carefully accentuate the 1st and 4th beat in particular, and this work will be of great benefit to you on account of the accent falling once on a down-bow and once on an up-bow and the intermediate n ote, E should never be played forcibly although you may be tempted not to play it equally on account of being played once with a down-bow and once with an up-bow.

It is obvious that to play this part, the bow must be taken off the strings for every note as you have to change strings, frequently skipping the A string. This is an exercise for the "whipping" bowing.

The last part of "Piu moto" on, must be played with the wrist only, using one third of the bow at the middle of the bow. Look over the "Piu lento" very carefully before playing.

Bow exactly as marked. You may have to play one measure 10 times before the bowing will "come easy".

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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