A-Level Music | Composition | String Techniques With David Alberman

Summary

In this session, the presenter explores various string instrument techniques, using a 400-year-old violin to demonstrate the range of sounds achievable with 'low technology.' They play Schubert's 'Death and the Maiden' theme in different styles, from marcato to staccato, and introduce terms like 'dolce' and 'tremolo.' The discussion covers vibrato, harmonics, and pizzicato, showcasing the violin's expressiveness and versatility. The presenter also touches on the importance of understanding these techniques for composers and musicians alike.

Takeaways

• 🎻 The session explores the various techniques and sounds that can be produced on a string instrument, specifically focusing on the violin.
• 📖 The violin used in the session is over 400 years old, representing 'low technology', yet capable of producing a wide range of sounds.
• 🎶 The theme from Schubert's 'Death and the Maiden' quartet is used as a basis to demonstrate different playing techniques.
• 🇮🇹 Many of the terms used to describe the techniques are Italian, reflecting the historical influence of Italian music and musicians.
• 🎵 Techniques such as Marcato, Legato, Staccato, Spiccato, and Dolce are explained, each producing a distinct character in sound.
• 🎶 Vibrato is discussed as a technique that adds a 'wobbling effect' to the sound, enhancing the expressiveness of the music.
• 🎵 The use of the bridge ('ponticello') and fingerboard ('flautando') to alter the sound of the violin is demonstrated.
• 🎵 The concept of 'natural' and 'artificial' harmonics is explained, showing how they can be used to create unique sounds.
• 🎵 The importance of understanding and communicating 'normal' playing techniques with musicians is emphasized to ensure clarity in musical scores.
• 🎵 The session concludes with a demonstration of 'glissando', a sliding technique that adds a dramatic effect to the music.

Q & A

What does the term 'marcato' signify in string instrument playing?

Marcato is an Italian term that signifies a strong, accented manner of playing, which can be demonstrated by playing the notes with a pronounced attack and separation.

How is the term 'legato' different from 'staccato' in string playing?

Legato refers to playing notes in a smooth, connected manner, whereas staccato is the opposite, indicating detached or separated notes, often played with a 'tiptoe' effect.

What is the meaning of 'dolce' in the context of string instrument performance?

Dolce, meaning 'sweet' in Italian, is used to describe a gentle, soft, and sweet manner of playing on a string instrument.

What effect is created by using vibrato on a string instrument?

Vibrato is a wobbling effect on the pitch, created by the player moving the left hand, which can add expressiveness and warmth to the sound.

What is the purpose of using a mute on a string instrument?

A mute is used to reduce the volume of the instrument, alter the tone quality, and create a more focused or 'stopped' sound.

How does playing 'pizzicato' differ from playing 'arco' on a string instrument?

Pizzicato involves plucking the strings with the fingers for a percussive, staccato sound, while arco refers to playing with the bow for a sustained, legato sound.

What is the term for playing a string instrument near the bridge?

Playing near the bridge is referred to as 'sul ponticello', which creates a glassy, sinister sound due to the higher overtones.

What is the effect of playing 'col legno' on a string instrument?

Col legno means 'with the wood' and involves striking the strings with the wood of the bow for a percussive, knocking sound.

How does playing with 'sul tasto' differ from 'sul ponticello'?

Sul tasto involves playing over the fingerboard for a lighter, more ethereal sound, while sul ponticello is playing near the bridge for a darker, more intense sound.

What is the significance of the term 'natural harmonics' in string playing?

Natural harmonics are the resonant frequencies of the string that can be played by lightly touching the string at certain points, producing a higher pitch without changing the string's length.