POSITIOI{ CHANGING FOR THE VIOLIN NEIL MACKAY Beforebeginningtheseexercisesit is advisableto clean the neck of the violin with a damp cloth so that the surfaceof the wood is free from any dirt or perspirationwhich could preventthe hand from sliding smoorhlyup and down the insrrument. As the hand movesto 3rd Position,be carefulto shift the thumb ar rhe sametime so that it occupiesa similar positionin relationto the fingers,as it did in rst Position. The changeof positionwillproduceaglissando at first as thefingerslidesover the string. This canbe overcomeby releasingthe fingerpressureslightlyduring the changeof position, when, as the speedof the hand movementis increased,the glissandoeffectwill gradually diminish.
lst FINGER MOVEMENT A and D strings I
I - 1 meanskeep the finger on the string.
1. HEBRIDEAN LULLABY [1 bar introduction]
Largo consordini
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E a n d A strings
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2. THE FAIR ISLE [4 bars introduction]
Allegretto í;-..---.-
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D and G strings
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3. DEESIDE [4 baríintroduction]
Andantino
Position Changing for the Violin
Znd FINGER MOVEMENT A and D strings
4. MINUET [4 bars introduction]
Grazioso
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E and A strings 'n-
Position Changing for the Violin
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5. THE CLOWN'S DANCE [2 bars introduction]
Alle$ro moderato
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D and G strings
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6. IN OLD MADRID [2 bars inhoduction]
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Position Changing for the Violin
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3rd FINGER MOVEMENT A string
7. A SPRING MORNING [2 bars inhoduction]
Allegretto
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G string
8. EVENSONG
[4 bars introduction]
Lento consordini >
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E and D strings 3-
2
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9. SNAKE ON A LADDER
[2 bars introduction]
Andantino
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4th FINGER MOVEMENT E and A strings f;--=c
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10. SPANISH SERENADE
[4 bars introduction]
Espressivo 3-----3 1y Y / -
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Position Changing for the Violin
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D and G strings
11.IRISH LULLABY [2 bars introduction]
SoothinglY
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4-4
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CHANGING POSITION From lst Finger to Znd, 3rd, and 4th The finger effecting the change of position should arrive at a guide note (i) before the next note is played. With practice the glissandoand guide note can be omitted. Guide notes are not marked throughout the melodies, but should be used during each changeof position.
D and G strings
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Position Changing for the Violin
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12.VALSE TRISTE [{ barsinhoduction]
Moderato
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A and E strings
13.THE DANCING CLASS [2 bars inhoduction]
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moho accel.
Position Changing for the Violin
Poco a.ccel.-
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15. DANSE MACABRE I
bar introduction]
The last note of DanseMacabreis an Artificial Harmonic. Stop E normally with the rst finger, at the sametime play A lightly with the pad of the 4th. This should produce a sound 2 octavesabove the stoppednote E.
á HARMONICS á There are two typesof harmonicsplayableon the violin. One is a NATURAL harmonic and the otherARTIFICIAL. The following harmonicsare natural,and are playedhalf way up the string with the pad of the little finger. I(eep the left hand in 3rd Positionand extendthe fourth finger so that it restslightly on the string. The violin will producea flute-like note which is ratherplaintivein sound.
Position Changing for the Violin
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1ó. REVEILLE Play STACCATOnotesOFF THE STRING in L.H. bow. [4 bars introduction]
Vivo -
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17. ON PARADE Play STACCATO in U.H. bow. [1 bar introduction]
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18. TYROLEAN AIR l3/2 barsintroductionl
Allegretto grazioso
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19.REVERIE [1 bar introduction]
Teneramente V
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4 o
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poco accel.
4 o
m/p a tempo 4
4 o
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rall.
MORE GUIDE NOTES The following changesof positionare frequentlyused by violinists.A goodplayer never allows the left hand to leap from one positionto another,unlessit entailsa move from an open string to a note in a higher position,or vice versa. Rememberalwaysto use a GUIDE NOTE when effectinga positionchange,and avoid any intermediatesoundbetweenchangesof position.
A and E strings
Practisealsousing a bow to eachbar.
[2 bars introduction]
Allegro ritmico
Position Changing for the Violin
20. BUTTERFLIES
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D and G strings
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3....--3
3'/3
Practisealsousinga bow to eachbar.
21. THE TENOR AND THE BASS [2 bars introduction]
Allegro giocoso
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The followingmelodyintroduceschangesof positionacrossthe strings.I(eep the fingers do"vnwhereindicatedand this wiil preventany tendencyto leapfrom one string to another.
22. WALTZING [4 bars introduction]
Moderato
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PositionChanginglor the Violin
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