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Theme – Var9

Performances of the Theme and Variations 1 to 9 with notes and analysis by Fintan Murphy

Theme

    Practice this theme making clear the direction of your musical line and dynamic range. Work… — Login to View —

    Variation 1

      In this variation you need to work towards making a resonant sound in the lower… — Login to View —

      Variation 1 – Closeup

        Here we see how the hand and finger movement (supported by arm movement) allows the… — Login to View —

        Variation 2

          Spiccato is an important bow stroke and can be learnt as soon as the détaché… — Login to View —

          Variation 3

            This variation requires you to play some notes on the string and some off the… — Login to View —

            Variation 4

              The ability to play repeated up or down bows at the heel of the bow… — Login to View —

              Variation 5

                Observe Ševčík’s careful bow division and articulation markings, especially the use of the whole bow… — Login to View —

                Variation 6

                  The ability to switch between playing on the string to playing off the string is… — Login to View —

                  Variation 6 – Closeup

                    Notice how when playing spiccato: the bow stays close to the string. the down bow… — Login to View —

                    Variation 7

                      This variation uses a similar bow division pattern to No 5. To ensure good coordination… — Login to View —

                      Variation 8

                        Ševčík marks this variation’s tempo as 1/4 note = 132, to be played at the… — Login to View —

                        Variation 8 – Closeup

                          When playing around the balance point or frog of the bow it is important that… — Login to View —

                          Variation 9

                            This beautiful variation uses a siciliano rhythm and requires musical thought and planning. Make sure… — Login to View —

                            Variation 9 – Closeup

                              Notice how the player’s up bow on the 3rd note of the bar lifts into… — Login to View —

                              Variation 9 – Zigzag bowing

                                Ševčík’s directions indicate that for most bars we move through the bow from the upper… — Login to View —