Session 4
Legato
Legato is a smooth bow stroke in which the pitches are completely connected to one another with a fluid and continuous motion. Each individual note is sustained to its maximum duration
The term legato indicates that the notes are bound or tied together. You can play this with alternate bows (back and forth) and your bow changes should make be extremely smooth and make it difficult to hear that you have changed direction.
The most common type is for legato notes to be slurred together and a group of notes to be played all together in one bow with no accent or distinction between notes. The notation for legato is a curved line over the pitches indicated that you should perform all of the notes smoothly in one bow with a completely connected feel.
F major Scale
Notation Symbols
– = Shift
X = Extension
Strategies
Remember that in the second octave we have an extension 1 on the A string in first position. This is our largest extension distance on the cello.
Etudes
Beginner – Schroeder X
Improver – Schroeder X
Advanced – Schroeder X
Please prepare Schroeder X for the live class
Practice Assignment
Step 1: Get comfortable creating smooth bow changes on a down bow and on an up bow. When changing bows be careful to maintain the same bow speed for continuous sound.
Step 2: Play your favorite and easiest scale with slurring two notes to a bow. Be aware when you change strings to keep the sound even, creating an even weight into the string.
Step 3: Once you’re confident with slurring two to a bow, try scales slurring the pitches in 3, 4 and 7s (octave changes).
Step 4: Select slow or reflective piece that you know well. Practice a section and focus on a beautiful tone and smooth bow changes maintaining artistry and expression.
Step 5: Do the same with the assigned etude. Learn the piece slowly maintaining good contact point, bow speed and weight.
Advanced players: try legato in 2 octave scales and in large shift patterns. You can also add continuous vibrato for a really gorgous sound.
Live Group Session 4: Lanes & Tone
During our live sessions:
you will have an opportunity to demonstrate legato bow stroke and receive feedback from me.
together we will apply this technique to F major scale and Schroeder X etude.
as a group we will review the 5 lanes
and work on tone
What more help?
If you want more detailed feedback than in our group live sessions, I am available for 1:1 coaching sessions throughout the course for an additional fee. Please contact me if you’d like to schedule a private session.