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: 6/6/2005 Subject: fingering - double stops
Question Hi David. As having a teacher is not a possibility for me at the moment i am struggling with the fingering for the following: the double stops in the Mendelssohn E minor concerto 2nd movement, (it appears one must be a contortionist to achieve this passage with correct intonation, or else my fingering is totally incorrect) and also the fingering for the double stops passage in the Vivaldi Autumn movement of Four Seasons. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am aware this is a horrible question! Thank you for any hints/help you can offer. Kind regards, Ann
Answer Hi Ann, I'll see what I can come up with...
I am unfortunately not familiar with the Vivaldi Autumn and don't know the specific double stop passages.
If I recall, the Mendelssohn E minor concerto 2nd mvt features some thirds, which I presume are the double stops annoying you. I'd suggest the following fingering...I hope this is accurate, because I lack music and am going off memory.
It might be annoying to use 1-3 for both the F-D and G-E thirds, but it's so much better than trying 2 4 for the G-E. You'll probably also find that 2-4 for the A-F is a lot easier than for the G-E because the stretch between fingers is less. However, you might find that 1-3 for the A-F works better, as long as you slide your first finger a greater distance than your third when moving from the F-D to the A-F.
I hope I didn't butcher that one :/ Let me know if you need more help and I'll try. The Mendelssohn is a beautiful piece, so I hope you enjoy practicing it. It just takes some time :)
--David
