Spicatto 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. As an open string sound is made up of the fundamental plus its overtone series, it is possible to isolate a harmonic frequency within that spectrum and amplify it, in this case with the bow, which acts as a finger on the node point of the vibrating string to allow the overtone to clearly emerge. The technique involves setting up an ostinato with a spicatto articulation (legato articulations are much less effective as the constant application of bow hair reduces the harmonic potential) and then manipulating the weight and speed of the bow on a node point, similar in method to that used in harmonic specific flautando. Once the harmonic is allowed to speak, a gradual increase of bow speed (but not weight) will produce a 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 Single notes can also produce a combination of fundamental and overtone, see: Legato Bow Activation Stefano Scodanibbio makes extensive use of such a technique throughout the first movement of the Voyage that Never Ends and is widely credited with the creation and development of the technique. Dynamic Range: pp-ff Difficulty: 4 Special Notes: |
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See also:
See also: