I'm learning some pieces from the Bach cello Suites and there are lots of slurred runs that include entire scales, so I can't just play them on one string. How would you play them? Should I pluck every time I change strings and hammer on the other notes on that string, or should I hammer on every note including the string changes? Or can I get away with just playing the runs very legato and not hammer on at all?
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Slurs encompassing more than one string: how to play them?
- Thread starter LeleLele
- Start date
I went through classical sax (oxymoron, I know) for about 6 years.
Articulation is cool, because it's about the perceived effect, not the creation. Technique frankly doesn't matter as long as the desired tone is being made.
I personally would go for the "one pluck per string" approach, and slur the remaining notes. Though when I was working on one of the suites, I also experimented with pure legato playing and that sometimes worked.
Especially for articulation, it becomes very personal and unique to the performer. With sax, we were told to strike softer. How is that supposed to translate into a consistent approach across players?!
As a final note, articulation ends up being the signposts of the extremes. Staccato can't exist without legato. If you want your slurs to really stick out, maybe you should focus on the notes that aren't slurred.
Articulation is cool, because it's about the perceived effect, not the creation. Technique frankly doesn't matter as long as the desired tone is being made.
I personally would go for the "one pluck per string" approach, and slur the remaining notes. Though when I was working on one of the suites, I also experimented with pure legato playing and that sometimes worked.
Especially for articulation, it becomes very personal and unique to the performer. With sax, we were told to strike softer. How is that supposed to translate into a consistent approach across players?!
As a final note, articulation ends up being the signposts of the extremes. Staccato can't exist without legato. If you want your slurs to really stick out, maybe you should focus on the notes that aren't slurred.
You can make a lot of different kinds of attacks depending on where you put the string on your finger before you pluck. Learn to make percussive attacks and soft attacks. One pluck per string works pretty well. Don't get to obsessed about it, always go for the flow of energy and not the mechanics.
Remember that the difference between staccato and legato is the END of the note, not the beginning.
Remember that the difference between staccato and legato is the END of the note, not the beginning.
