Posted on June 10, 2008 by Anita Prince in Dynamics - Musicality/Phrasing
Rather than just playing my scales with full, sustained tone, I also use scales to practice the bow control (speed, weight, contact point, bow distribution) needed for dramatic dynamic variety. You can play one note per bow or several.
Some different variations to try out:
PP to FF crescendo on each bow (or the opposite FF to PP)- this one is hard because you have to do a subito dynamic change each time you change the direction of the bow.
PP to FF crescendo on the down bow followed by FF to PP decrescendo on the up (or the opposite)- much easier because all the dynamic changes are gradual.
PP to FF to PP hairpin within on bow (or the opposite)
Sustained FF down bow followed by sustained PP up bow (or the opposite)- tricky bow distribution