Cello Intermediate 24: Improving String Crossings

Improving string crossings on the cello

In this video, we will be talking about more advanced string crossings. If you look back at our earlier basics videos, we discussed our cello bow circles (or bow ovals). A down-bow from a lower string to an up-bow on a higher string creates an anticlockwise oval. The reverse creates a clockwise circle. But what do we do when we have slurred string crossings? To practise this, we are going to use Feuillard's Études for the Young Cellist.

The figure of eight motion

In exercise number three, Feuillard wants us to look at a slightly smaller movement of string crossing by slurring two notes together.

When we do this, we are combining a small arc of an anticlockwise circle with a small clockwise circle to get back down. When you link these two directions together smoothly under a slur, the stroke actually feels like a "figure of eight" in the right hand.

Keeping the angle small and using the wrist

Before adding the left hand, you need to ensure your bow angles are as small and efficient as possible. Do not overexaggerate the clearing of the string. Instead, imagine you are playing a double stop, and just move the bow a fraction further away to isolate the single strings.

You can also hold onto your right forearm with your left hand. This is a great trick to ensure you are actually using your wrist to execute the crossing, which helps the joint feel a lot freer.

The "pizza spreader" pivot

In etude number six, we move on to playing four notes under a slur in a continuous wave motion (which sounds very similar to the Bach Prelude in G major).

The most interesting thing about this etude is that you cannot leave your bow angle the same for the G and D strings as it will be for the A string. As you turn onto the A string level, you have to physically push the bow forward. I sometimes call this the "pizza spreader" or a rowing motion.

If you do not pivot forward for the A string, your bow will no longer be parallel to the bridge, and your sound will become noticeably duller. By making this pivot, you unlock much more resonance from the instrument.