When I play waltzes I often feel that it doesn't sound "waltzy" enough ... not sweet enough, perhaps. What are some of the techniques for getting that sound?
13 Comments |
 | Diane G says:
2/28/2011 4:36:06 PM
Hi. I'm new to the group and hello everyone. The first thing I think about with the waltz tunes is: its a dance! The rhythm is 3/4 time and the first beat of each measure should be a strong down beat. This helps to guide the dancers with that first strong beat. Playing with your bow closer to the beginning of the finger board can make your music a bit more mellow (sweeter). Try playing as you waltz with your fiddle in your hands...it's a great way to get the beat and have fun as the same time. Enjoy. Stay tuned. Diane
|
 | FiddleJammer says:
2/28/2011 5:20:09 PM
Cool group!
Someone once told me, and I don't know if it's true, but it seems to work. Use a downbow on the first beat in a measure. Gives a little more oomph to the '1' in the 1 - 2 - 3.
And, perhaps that doesn't have to be the rule for every waltz measure ever played. But, particularly when you want some extra groove.
|
 | TimK says:
3/1/2011 4:42:35 AM
Timing is important of course but IMO so is sound texture. Be sure to practice using whole bow storkes and change bow speed accordingly to raise & lower volume & dynamics. A tastefull use of vibrato also adds to the texture of the sound.
|
 | Andah1andah2 says:
3/1/2011 12:56:50 PM
I have recently been working on my timing on waltzes with a metronome and foot tapping. It is slow going but I didn't realize how "off" I was. Playing with the nome is not too bad, but adding the foot tapping (Which I have neglected over time) is real hard. Talk about tapping your head and rubbing your belly at the same time. But Dianne is right on. If your not in time the dancers can't dance. And waltzes are dance music. I want to learn vibrato so I can add that extra bit on the "1" of the 1,2,3
|
| Diane G says:
3/1/2011 5:36:58 PM
Hi andah1anddah2....go to the website of a video learning site called Violin Lab...it has all the teachings for beginning vibrato through advanced technique. I teach and this is were I send my students to get an additional view point. Check out Violinlab.com
Happy Waltzing to you. Fiddling Diane
|
| Andah1andah2 says:
3/2/2011 5:22:41 AM
I have watched the lady on violinlab and think she does a very good job explaining things. It was only 2-3 days ago that I was curious about vibrato and watched some of her, and also professorV's clips, on the subject.
|
| Diane G says:
3/2/2011 9:14:42 AM
Hi anna1anda2. YES both of these sites are very good. Bring your fiddle to the computer and try playing with her. The first thing to do for learning vibrato are WARMUPS.
These are very important. You have to practice the exercises daily and then add them to the scales along with the metro. Keep your left hand position tension free and supple...no excessive pressure with the thumb. Have fun. It takes along time to develop the technique of vibrato but it's worth it, makes those waltzes really fabulous. See youTube of Jay Ungar playing Ashokan Farewell..the waltz he wrote for his fiddle and dance camp many years ago. Stay tuned.
Diane
|
 | tiquose says:
3/2/2011 3:49:41 PM
What about slides in waltzes? How do you decide where to use them?
|
| TimK says:
3/3/2011 6:20:09 AM
The use of slides, like vibrato, trills and other ornimentaions, are a matter of personal choice. Their placement in a tune is what defines one's version from another's. It's how you make a tune "your own".
|
| Diane G says:
3/5/2011 4:11:44 PM
TimK is correct. My thinking is that you can use slides in a waltz tune if you are NOT playing for the dancers...slides are personal and make our music individualistic...it also gives our music an edge..it "floats" the note. Slurs and ties are good to add to a waltz...don't over do them and keep mindful of the 3/4 time signature and the feeling of the pusle...the beat.
Waltz away and have fun. stay tuned. Diane
|
| Diane G says:
4/30/2011 8:29:13 AM
Is anybody out there waltzing around??
I'm looking for a couple of nice, easy waltz tunes for my beginning students to learn..in the old-time tradition.
Anybody know of a few and what books (music) to use for them?
Thanks, happy fiddling. Diane
|
| FiddleJammer says:
5/1/2011 8:21:46 PM
I'm discovering some waltzes in the Milliner-Koken collection. Peeler Creek. My Own House Waltz. Wednesday Night Waltz. Pinedale Waltz. I think it's great that you'll be using OT trad tunes for beginners.
|
| Diane G says:
5/2/2011 10:37:41 PM
Hi FiddleJammer...thanks for the information! I have not heard of Milliner-Koken collection. Is it in book form? Where do you get a copy? Thanks. Yes, the kids love the OT music and trad. tunes : >)...I start them off with classical technique but teach them fiddle tunes to have fun with...the kids just lite up and want more.
Stay tuned. Diane
|
Post a Comment
|
You must be logged in and a member of this group to post a comment.
|
