Hi, I'm Ailbhe McDonagh. In this video, we're going to be learning how to play Floating in Time from my book It's a Cello Thing, book 1 (published by Boosey & Hawkes).
The title "Floating in Time" brings to mind an image of ultimate calm. This piece is marked Adagio Cantabile (slowly and singing). Our goal is to maintain a really smooth bow speed so that nothing interrupts that floating feeling.
Understanding 6/8 Time (Compound Time)
This piece is in 6/8 time, which means there are six quavers (eighth notes) in every bar. Because this is a compound time signature, we feel the beat in two groups of three.
- Count: 1-2-3, 4-5-6
- Feel: it swings almost like 2/4 time, but each beat is split into three parts rather than two.
Who is in Charge of the Rhythm?
When playing slurs (multiple notes in one bow), you need to decide which hand controls the rhythm.
- No string crossing: the left hand is in charge. It must place the fingers rhythmically while the bow keeps moving steadily.
- String crossing: the bow hand takes charge, ensuring the crossing happens exactly on time.
Technique: Balancing Volume on String Crossings
There is a tricky moment where we go from a lower string to a higher open string and back again.
- The problem: the higher string naturally rings louder and "jumps out" of the texture, ruining the calm mood.
- The solution: play the lower string note heavier, and the higher open string lighter. This balances the sound so the melody line remains even.
The "Peanut Butter" Bow Stroke
In the middle section, we have separate bows that still need to be legato (smooth). Think of the bow as being "gluey," as if you are spreading peanut butter on toast. The sound should be thick, connected, and smooth - not choppy.
The Ending: How to Fade Out
The piece ends with a ritardando (slowing down) and a pause. To finish beautifully, let the note fade off to nothing. Ideally, you do the work with the weight of your arm:
- Start with weight in the string.
- Gradually lift the weight up and up.
- Let the sound trail off into silence.