Bow tremolo » Special playing styles - Philipp Dangas

Description of playing technique bow tremolo

The bow tremolo is performed by rapid repetition of the tone by rapidly following up and down bows. Without detachment from the string. This is the most commonly used tremolo.

Reason for the sound generated with bow tremolo:

Its effect depends on the "density" of the Bogestriche. That means it depends on the number of bow strokes performed on a bar value. If this number is very high, then the stroke length of the strokes must necessarily be very small. And with it the intensity.

This effect can be increased to such an extent that the individual lines can no longer be distinguished from one another. Also, the overall effect can be just a subtle, mysterious buzz, especially when performed "on top." On the other hand, if the number of individual strokes is comparatively small, this enables a longer stroke length and a stronger intensity of the tremolo.

However, the real tremolo effect basically requires such a density of strokes that the overall effect does not appear as the trembling or shaking of a single note.

The bow tremolo in the context of the „symphonic world music“

The tremolo produces a variety of effects on the string orchestra, but above all on the violas, and also on the cellos. It can express terror, fear, panic or restlessness. If you use it on one or two of the three strings G, D, A and don't go much beyond the b¹. In order to create such sound effects, especially in defining passages, low tremolos should be preferred.

In addition, an intensification of the sound is achieved through the distribution of tasks for the string section. While one part of the string section performs the tremolo, the other part could play staccato to create a dark tonal character. And the associated strong effect creates excessive listening pleasure.

Key data on the special type of bow tremolo

1. Indefinite bow tremolo

Designation:

Indefinite bow tremolo

Technology:

One or two pitches are generated simultaneously by changing up and down bows as quickly as possible.

Result:

one or two rapidly repeated notes.

Dynamics:

all steps

Notation:

triple beams in faster tempos and quadruple beams in slower tempos. In places that are not entirely clear, add »trem.«:

I.Variation

Notation from indefinite bow tremolo with triple beam

II.Variation

Alternative notation of indefinite bow tremolo with quadruple beam

2.Definite bow tremolo

Designation:

Definite bow tremolo

Technology:

like that of the indefinite bow tremolo, only with the difference that a certain number of repeated notes is required.

Result:

like indefinite arc tremolo, but not as fast.

Dynamics:

all steps

Notation:

I.Variation

Notation of definite bow tremolo

II.Variation

Alternative notation of definite bow tremolo