AboutDavid Expertise I mainly aim to answer questions about playing techniques--intonation,
vibrato, bowing etc. I am somewhat familiar with Baroque and Classical music, though not as much with Romantic. I am unable to answer questions about advanced music theory, violin crafters/brands or the monetary value of a violin.
Experience I have played the violin about nine discontinuous years. Most of my work has been orchestral, with some soloing throughout. I was principal 2nd violinist of the Disney Honors Orchestra in 1998, a six-time All-State Orchestra violinist, a two-time assistant concertmaster and two-time concertmaster of my All-County Orchestra. I also have perfect pitch, which I believe can be learned (though I do not claim to know how to teach it).
Since starting medical school in 2004, I have had fewer chances to play, but I hope to someday resume on a regular basis.
Expert: David Date: 3/18/2008 Subject: bowing for Vivaldi, third mvmt of Summer
Question Hi i have a question regarding the bowing of the third movement of Vivaldi's Summer, "Presto". I don't know how to play the solo part from bar 41 and bar 109. i also don't know the necessary fingering for the solo part from bar 79, i am really confused, please help me!
Thank You!
Answer Hi Mike, I will try to answer your question, bearing in mind that I haven't played the piece before but I do have access to the music. Looking at the solo at bar 41, I find it would be best played with your 1st finger kept on the A of the A string. Play the D's with an open D string, and don't use any slurs. The first note of bar 41 should be a downbow; alternate the bowings from there as you play on the E, A and D strings. This will take some practice; focus on flexibility of your right wrist because if you try to play this with a stiffened right arm you'll exhaust yourself quickly. For the solo at bar 109, play in 3rd position, which you'll be in anyway since you'll shift there in bar 107. This time you'll play across the A, D and (open) G strings. Again, no slurs, just alternate bowings starting with a downbow at 109. I'm guessing this is what you are asking regarding the solo; feel free to clarify if I'm answering off target. As for bar 79, I think you could try shifting into 3rd position on that bar, 2nd finger on the E flat. When you get to the C's (the 8th and 9th notes of the bar), try playing the first C with your 3rd finger, then the 2nd C with your 2nd finger, to shift into the appropriate position for the next bar (actually still 3rd position, just the higher up version of it). You could also try shifting your 1st finger from the A flat to the B flat on the E string but I think you'll find my first suggestion more feasible. I hope this is of some help, good luck with the piece...
Sincerely,
David
