Theme

#wholebow #legato #stringcrossings

The time signature of the theme is common time and the key is e minor. The ABA form of the theme is often copied in the subsequent variations. Dynamically, the A section is usually stated in a loud or mezzo dynamic, the B section features an explicit dynamic change, which is usually a crescendo followed by a restatement of the A section in a soft dynamic.

While the theme has no bowing indications from the abbreviations that appear above it in the score, there is a pedagogical benefit to be uncovered here. Strive for a smooth legato not only in the bow changes, but also in the numerous string crossings that occur within slurs. While fingering choices could prevent some string crossings, experiment with varying the fingerings for the recurring descending fourth E-B slur. Imagine that Ševčik marked each slur with a GB (whole bow) and then in the crescendo, use less bow to start and use increasing amounts of bow in each measure to reinforce the change of dynamic. In the final A section in piano dynamic, use a slightly faster vibrato speed and floating bow to create a magical ending to this introductory theme.