Legato Bow Harmonic Activation
Technical Practice
It is possible to simultaneously activate parts of the harmonic spectrum in conjunction with the open string sound and vary the degree to which the overtone is audible in relation to the open string sound with a legato articulation. By careful manipulation of bow weight in the sul ponticello regions, it is possible to isolate a harmonic node within that spectrum and amplify it, with the bow, acting as a finger on the node point of the vibrating string to allow the overtone to clearly emerge. The technique involves placing the bow in the sul ponticello region then manipulating gently adding weight while the bow is drawn. When the harmonic has begun to speak, the weight of the bow should be gradually decreased whilst the bow speed is increased which will allow for both pitches to emerge. Variations of weight and speed in this manner will allow crescendo of the harmonic and a diminuendo of the fundamental and vice versa. Care must be taken so that the bow makes consistent contact with the string on the appropriate node point otherwise the harmonic will be deactivated. Various harmonics can be activated but it is implausible to be absolutely specific as many of the node points are contained within the sul ponticello region but with practice, a consistent technique can be applied and several harmonics replicated consistently once a familiarity with the technique is achieved. Notes As stated above, it is extremely difficult to be specific when isolating points of the harmonic series in this way, however, the lower partials of the series will generally be more prevalent. Shorter articulations without an immediate repetition are unreliable. Dynamic Range: pp-ff Difficulty: 4 |
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See also:
See also: