This piece is to be played slowly, with a sustained tone ( that includes
the pianist too ). The Violinist should start with his / her bow raised up in
the air. During the first rest a huge up bow arc is described with the right
arm, eventually bringing the bow on the g string at the heel. The whole bow is
drawn slowly on the open g producing an elephant sized sound. Though the bow
must thoroughly adhere to the string for as long a down bow as possible, it
should neither skate or slip across the string, nor should it squeeze and force
the sound. The right hand is continuously following a huge imaginary circle (
counter clockwise from where the student stands ) while one counts out aloud
" three, four " in time...... The bow should be lifted as
high as possible during the rest, and this great arc helps the child reach that
remotely strung g string ! The circle described should be slow and smooth, as if
the music were still being bowed. This piece is very popular with children, and
gives them the means to develop a beautifully rich sound full of bass using the
natural weight of their arm. If the
teacher cares to play together with the pupil, providing the strings are tuned
together, the pupil will feel his / her sound has suddenly doubled in
capacity !
Click
here for a midi accompaniment !
Finally it is possible for each child to play a note sequentially in
a group ; this way the more sensitive and refined hands of the better student
will set an example for the weaker ones to follow. Much depends on setting a
good example. Though the g string is harder to reach at first, the child will
soon be rewarded by an introductory sound far superior to that of the e string.
Warning ; do not give up this piece after 3 lessons as it can be kept in the
repertoire for at least a year as a warming up exercise ! I still enjoy it 3
years after having invented it ! Even when your pupil
sounds good, encourage him / her to sing from the first millimeter of bow to the
last. The whole process is similar to spreading chocolate spread on a slice of
bread. The final result should be a sound every bit as appetizing !!
