Hi, I'm Ailbhe McDonagh. In this video, we'll be looking at a piece called Barynya from my book It's a Cello Thing, book 1 (published by Boosey & Hawkes).
A Barynya is a traditional Russian dance form known for its wild and energetic moves. I particularly like this piece because dancers often shout the word "Barynya!" all the way through the music, so feel free to shout it out after you’ve performed it!
The Key: G Minor Pattern
The piece is in a minor key (G Minor), so we need to think about our minor finger pattern.
- Finger pattern: in a minor key, we typically use open - 1 - 2 - 4 (instead of the open - 1 - 3 - 4 pattern we use in major keys).
- Tempo: it is marked Presto (fast), but as always, ignore the speed when you are starting off. Practice everything slowly first.
Technique 1: The Double Up Bow
In this piece, we meet a new stroke called the double up-bow (or hooked bowing). You will see two notes with up-bow markings under a slur, but they have dots (staccato) or lines over them.
How to re-articulate: you don't just drag the bow upwards. As you play the first up-bow, you almost stop. Then, lean into the string again with your first finger (like pronouncing a consonant, "K" or "T") and release immediately.
The Feeling: It feels like a sharp "V" shape. Press down, play, stop, press down, play.
Technique 2: Double Up Bow with String Crossings
Later in the piece, it gets "meaner"! You have to do the double up-bow stroke, but while crossing strings.
Practice tip: isolate your bow arm. Practice the rhythm on open strings first (without using your left hand fingers). This helps your arm learn the level changes without worrying about the notes.
Technique 3: Syncopation
This piece features a rhythm called syncopation. This happens when we emphasise the weak beat (the "off-beat") rather than the strong beat.
Counting: instead of ONE-two, ONE-two, you feel the accent on the "and": one-AND-two, one-AND-two. Listen out for those moments where the rhythm feels like it's jumping or skipping, that is the syncopation giving the piece its dance-like energy.
Articulation: Staccato vs. Legato
Pay close attention to the dots over the notes.
- Legato: smooth, separate bows (no dots)
- Staccato: short, detached notes (dots over the note head)
The piece switches quickly between smooth legato lines and bouncy staccato notes. Getting this contrast right is what makes the piece sound exciting.
The Retake
Watch out for the second-to-last bar. We have a down-bow followed by another down-bow. To do this, you need to perform a Retake (lifting the bow in a circle back to the frog). This motion is usually anticlockwise.
Go wild and have fun with this one!