Variation 40

#flying #sautille #downbowspiccato #upbowspiccato

            The final variation expands on the technique presented in Variation 39 but is based on four-note chords rather than the three-note chords in the previous variation. It is strongly recommended to be very comfortable with the bowing techniques at full tempo in Variation 39 before attempting to learn this variation. Also, be sure to practice the double-stops of the main variation by splitting each four-note chord into three double-stops.

Curiously, Ševčík writes flying in sub-variation 1, and jerk in sub-variation 3. In execution, these two strokes are not entirely dissimilar and should resemble each other in the quality of articulation. In both strokes the bow is leaving the string after each note and can be seen as a flying-spiccato or ricochet stroke.

            Like Variation 39, a slightly off the string sautillé stroke can help launch the bow off the string for the flying strokes. Use a metronome to build tempo very gradually in all sub-variations.

            These last two variations can also act as a blank canvas for developing your own bowing exercises or applying difficult chordal bowings from the repertory and using this exercise as a place to practice that bowing. For an extra challenge, attempt to reverse the bowings and/or mirroring the direction of the broken chords. Have fun and congratulations on getting to the end of these 40 variations!