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.
Question When is vibrato used, when playing the violin.
Answer Hi Michelle,
In my opinion, that would depend on the style of music mainly. Vibrato is used very often and I prefer to use it as much as I can, unless the music was specifically designed to be played without it or its style generally doesn't warrant it. Country music, for example, is often played without much vibrato--this I learned from a friend who knows much more about country music than I do. A few pieces may have a "senza vib." (without vibrato) notation for certain portions or the whole thing.
Also, long notes are better for vibrato than short ones, and if you listen to professional classical recordings you will hear little vibrato on very fast passages because there isn't enough time to get in any oscillations when the left hand's fingers are already moving so fast just to hit the notes. In most cases, long notes will have vibrato because it sounds more beautiful than the plain notes.
Hope this is of some help.
Sincerely,
David
