Scan 338
The American History and Encyclopedia of Music, 1910
4 lines. Read by computer on 15 September 2026. Printed page 294. See the scan on archive.org.
1played not far above the middle B flat. It is passionate and fiery when played loud on the middle of the first string, but becomes dainty and mysterious when played in a higher position. The salto, an effect peculiar to bowed instruments, is produced by bounding the bow on the strings; this produces a very lively effect and is used with good results to imitate leaping motions of a body as opposed to the usual singing voice of the violin. Again for dramatic purposes the tones are produced by drawing the wood of the bow across the strings. This manner of bowing produces a weird effect. These strange tones heighten the uncanny effect in a witches' scene, such as the Walpurgisnacht on the Brocken in "Faust," or to depict the presence of an evil motive at the unguarded moment. Wagner uses it with great effect to portray wicked joy in some other person's misfortune, as in the case of the unscrupulous dwarf, the smith mime in the story of "Siegfried." Perhaps none of the different effects produced is such an excellent test of good bowing as is the staccato. If a sustained staccato is played distinctly, evenly, but with a light firm touch, the player is said to have splendid control of his bow. One of the most common methods resorted to in playing for effect is the pizzicato; this is done by plucking the strings with the fingers, and the result is a series of short, stiff tones much like those of a banjo. Very dainty, telling effects are thus produced; they may be used to add mystery to a light passage, such as a dance of goblins, but owing to the lack of depth of expression they are never employed in large or serious passages except very sparingly. But where they are used they are usually chosen with thoughtful purpose and are used very advantageously.
3When a violinist wishes to produce a subdued, muffled effect, such as is desired in mournful passages, or if he wants to add an air of mystery to a lively passage, he uses a little contrivance called a sordine or mute. This little damper clutches the bridge as it is placed on the strings, checks the vibrations and produces a muted tone.
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