January 2014

The Life of the Adult Amateur Player: Three Simple Words

Like a koan they came to me:

control without tension

I imagine that the concept has been articulated by many teachers of--and aspirants to--our exquisite art form.

It matters not. What matters is that the concept came to me like a mystical revelation--felt more than articulated-- during a recent practice session as I was attempting to apply a technique demonstrated by my viola teacher, who is guiding my work on the Bach solo cello suites:

control without tension

It's a concept so simple to say and yet so difficult to attain, and strikes me as one of the most critical elements of string playing technique.

Further words by me are not needed, but I am eager to read the responses of other players.

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