For Subscribers

Technique: Smooth string-crossings

2022-07-08T07:56:00

HR-David Gillham-19 cr UBC

David Gillham, associate professor of violin at the University of British Colombia and string tutor at Domaine Forget, Quebec, Canada, on how to anticipate and execute string-crossings with maximum fluidity and control

When playing string-crossings, last-minute, jerky movements of the right arm can disrupt legato and détaché passages, and a left-hand finger placed too late can lead to poor coordination with the bow. To overcome these issues, I recommend practising in double-stops to prepare the left hand, and using exercises at the frog, middle of the bow and forearm to activate the right fingers, wrist and arm. String-crossings should be beautiful, smooth and artistic, but many players neglect them in their practice and so produce unnecessary bumps in their sound…

Already subscribed? Please sign in

Subscribe to continue reading…

We’re delighted that you are enjoying our website. For a limited period, you can try an online subscription to The Strad completely free of charge.

  • Free 7-day trial

    Not sure about subscribing? Sign up now to read this article in full and you’ll also receive unlimited access to premium online content, including the digital edition and online archive for 7 days.

    Free trial

    No strings attached – we won’t ask for your card details

  • Subscribe 

    No more paywalls. To enjoy the best in-depth features and analysis from The Strad’s latest and past issues, upgrade to a subscription now. You’ll also enjoy regular issues and special supplements* and access to an online archive of issues back to 2010.

    Subscribe

 

* Issues and supplements are available as both print and digital editions. Online subscribers will only receive access to the digital versions.