Violin vibrato, background info and opinions!

Some general comments on and about vibrato to help you navigate the often-conflicting info out there!

I forgot to mention that it is normal and anticipated that you eventually use both hand/wrist AND whole arm - your preference for one or the other, and the degree to which you combine or alternate them will have a lot to do with your personal sound as a violinist.

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• Violin vibrato

[vihuelamig]

Allyson: thanks for the response. I'm really referring to achieving the vibrato without shoulder or chin rest (as in Bach/Mozart). In 3rd position your hand can pivot against the body of the Violin - which is probably why they begin teaching it in 3rd. In 1st (and without the furniture) it is seemingly impossible. I know it's a specialist technique with the Baroque set up but it can obviously be done.

I'll keep experimenting.

BTW: Try 'Bow vibrato' - it's rather strange :-)

[AllysonsViolinStudio]

@vihuelamig - Bach and Mozart are 18th century - sustained vibrato only started in the 19th century. But have fun!

[vihuelamig]

'Performers there are who tremble consistently on each note as if they had the palsy'

- Mr. Mozart (the elder).

Well I can get something going in 3rd position with 3 digits (without the furniture). Unfortunately Mr. Mozart doesn't tell me how it's done in 1st but it's clearly possible, hence the palsy reference. Perhaps it was those flouncy padded jackets.

Any Baroque technique experts here?

[AllysonsViolinStudio]

@vihuelamig - In Leopold Mozart's day, vibrato was more of an ornament which was sparingly applied. I think it was in the 1800s sometime that sustained vibrato started to come into favour. If you're getting it in third position, just use it in 3rd for a little while - the brain and finger muscles will come to an understanding with a few hours under their belts and then it will get a little easier to get it going in 1st.

[Weststreetstar]

Hi,

Thank you for posting your video. Among the many good points you make is to relax and wait until you're ready for vibrato. I'm an adult learner with two years under my belt and I get so frustrated with vibrato. My teacher feels I'm rushing it and that it 'will come'. Your video has helped me believe that. I'm studying for ABRSM grade 5 which only requires some minimal awareness of vibrato so I really will try and chill out about the whole issue! Now, where's my fiddle...?

[sashy2]

help me :(

i cant do the vibratto, i've watched the vid a thousand times, and i still dont get it ! and my teacher says it's too difficult for me to do so. he's frustrating me. pleaaaase help me

[AllysonsViolinStudio]

@danielingui - Thank you for offering, it put a smile on my face. Are you the singer in the video (on your channel) or are you the violinist? It's a lovely performance.

[danielingui]

@AllysonsViolinStudio - Thanks, did not know that Cramer bow is call as transitional, thanks. I had heard from many other sources that the bow Paganini used was Tartini. These two lithographs of Van edwards page are the most deceptive of the world, in the second paganini rests the chin on the left of the tailpiece, is mean of perception of the draftsman, in the bows is more especulative. Always good to know, thank you.

[danielingui]

@AllysonsViolinStudio -Hi Master, I agree with that, all type of shade and colors between vibrato y no vibrato, in diferent conceptions of culture. Send me your mail, and I will send you "the art of violin playing" Francesco Geminiani. God blessyou.