Variation 16

#sautillé

Although this is the first variation where Ševčík indicates the sautillé stroke, a similar stroke with repeated 16ths has been employed in previous variations. Here the speed is much faster and results in a different sounding stroke. This technique is best described as an on the string stroke whereby the stick bounces, but the hair does not. This rapid re-articulation and release with the hair staying on the string makes the stroke sound like it is bouncing but is in fact just very well-articulated. The stroke is usually best played a bit closer to the frog than to the middle point of the bow, with an engagement of the forearm and wrist. Too much upper arm movement can cause early fatigue and tension.

The first step is to practice under tempo. In the slow tempo, ensure that the shifts are occurring on the old bow. Practice leaving as early as possible from the last 16th note before a shift. As your tempo increases, practice with placing a quarter note rest between each four-note 16th note grouping. Then practice with playing 2 beats, with 2 beats rest, and so on. Use the rest to prepare both the left and right hand.