Question about Harmonics

[LeslieD]

I'm playing (or trying to play) Ravel's "La Valse" and need some help figuring out which harmonics I'm supposed to play...

There are two bass parts, and at one point the first part is written sur Re' (which I guess means "on the D") with an F natural. What harmonic note would that be, and where the heck do I find it?

And, the second bass part says sur La ("on the A") and the designated note is a D natural. Again, what harmonic note is that, and where do I find it?

These are things I should know (and maybe I did at one point, but right now it has our bass section scratching our heads).

Any help here? Thanks!

[Illfavor]

You find the note where it says. The F natural is an F natural on the D string, but a harmonic. So...just put your finger lightly over the F, move you bow towards the bridge, and play the note. I don't remember what the note is, it might be a C natural. Same with the D. Play the note like it's a closed D on the a string, only a harmonic. It should be an A natural.

Ravel really loves those ethereal and random bass harmonics. So now you know. Put your finger where the note is, and play it as a harmonic.

[neilG]

Originally Posted by LeslieD

There are two bass parts, and at one point the first part is written sur Re' (which I guess means "on the D") with an F natural. What harmonic note would that be, and where the heck do I find it?

That note will sound "A" an octave above the "tuning" A.

And, the second bass part says sur La ("on the A") and the designated note is a D natural. Again, what harmonic note is that, and where do I find it?

That note will sound "A" two octaves above the open string, the same pitch as your tuning A.
I was curious why Ravel wrote that particular harmonic so I experimented. I tuned my bass carefully with a tuner. The "tuning" A on the D string was sharp and the one on the A string more in tune. Try it and let us know if you get the same result.
Neil

[LeslieD]

Thanks for all your help! I'll work on this ASAP and will let you know how successful I am.