Donald Erb question

dhosek · #1 03-02-2001, 02:22 PM

I'm looking over the Donald Erb "A Scherzo" (from his "Three pieces for Double Bass Alone") and notice that there are GDAE marked with 0 which I would expect means that's an open string. OK. But then there's also a high D marked with the 0 as well. Is that to be played as a 2nd partial on the D string? 3rd on the G?

-dh

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #2 03-02-2001, 05:46 PM

Nick is right. Further, a "zero" over a note means that it is a harmonic that is to sound at the same pitch as notated. That should give you a clue about where to play it. Typical orchestration training allows for this notation when the harmonic is a fairly obvious one (i.e. - simple for the player to find). If there is any question about where to best play it, most composers will be more specific.

dhosek · #3 03-05-2001, 09:03 AM

Well, I've realized that I will have to pick up a recording of the piece in any case: I've identified at least two errors in the printed score already (a missing arco designation and (presumably) a missing accidental (the alternative being a stray accidental)). That aside, this looks like a fun set of solo pieces to play. I'm thinking of playing the "col legno battuto with chopsticks" using my funk fingers, but I'll listen to the Turetzky recording first.

-dh

Don Higdon · #4 03-05-2001, 01:27 PM

Which string you use for the harmonic depends on the notes before and after. You have to analyze the fingering of the whole passage.

dhosek · #5 03-05-2001, 02:14 PM

The pieces were recorded by Bertram Turetzky. It's a new recording but I did manage to find it at amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...4UAIL/donhosek

It's a collections of short works by Erb. The other suites are for string quartet, cello, and piano/violin. I've got it on order & will let you know how it sounds once it arrives.

-dh