Bowing on e and a strings

[jmnbass]

Right now I am trying everything to get the trio section in Beethoven 5 symphony clear and have a strong core sound, not just sound like a bunch of rumbling. The first two measure of the trio in particular where you have to bow on the e and a strings is giving me problems. I have tried lots of different things and they do not seem to work. Without actually seeing what I am doing it will be hard to solve my problem, but how do you play the trio section. Lots of spiccato, no spiccato, lots of bow, small bows, alot of pressure from the arm, or a lighter touch?
Anything would help.

Thanks, Jason

[Kjetil Laukholm]

You need to have atleast four very different ways to play Beethoven 5; slow off, slow brush, fast off and fast on (sautille type).

I would take focus off the piece itself and develop the strokes in general. Get a copy of Hal Robinson's Strokin' and work your way through the book. If possible take lessons with a top tier (A or B orchestra) player on strokin specifically.
I guarantee that when you come back to the excerpt you will see dramatic improvement.

As for the first few bars I would use a fingering that aids the bow. Close the first D and maybe even the first A. The second d can work fine open.
A common fingering is:
C H C D G A H C H C D E F G
2 1-1 4 1 4(0) 1 2 1 2 0 1 1 4

Slow practise and make sure to get a clear and focused tone. Puch the tempo very slowly and do not accept any flaws in the sound. as you get within 70% of tempo start using the different strokes needed for the passage.
You need a teacher to show you the strokes in person.

good luck

Kjetil Laukholm
Malmö Symphony Orchestra