Variation 9

#wholebow #bowlift

            Variation 9 is a charming variation with an upwardly lilting character. With the primary focus in these variations being bow technique, it is easy to neglect the expressive possibilities of the left hand. Vibrate as many notes here as possible, especially the dotted eighths and dotted quarters.

            Like variations 5 and 7, this variation calls upon the player to utilize the entire length of the bow. Every inch of the bow should be used in the second half of each measure (except for the pianissimo section at the end). The bow can stay on the string until the ) symbol marked after the third note, whereby the bow can lift in the air and land right at the frog for the note marked with a G (whole bow).

            Pay special attention to the dynamics and the pianissimo dynamic for the return of the A section. This section is to be played exclusively in the upper half of the bow, ensuring the last notes of each measure end up at the tip of the bow.