Variation 14

#upbowstaccato

            This variation builds on the two-note up bow staccato technique in Variation 12 and features four articulated notes beneath the slur. For maximum pedagogical benefit, practice this variation first with the bow stroke completely on the string, articulating each note cleanly with a gentle release after every articulation. Imagine cracking through a crème brulée with a spoon. The thin layer of caramelized sugar gives way to a creamy custard. This is a helpful way to imagine the kind of articulation desired here.

            After mastering the up bow staccato on the string, practice it off the string, allowing gravity and the natural bounce characteristics of the hair and string to bounce the bow with great precision but minimal control. The quality of this stroke is of course different than on the string version and will be less articulated. Using less bow makes it easier to control but remember to increase the amount of bow when making the crescendo to the forte dynamic. The least amount of bow should be used during the final pianissimo section.