The Happy Farmer - Robert Schumann

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Category:

Music

Tags:

• viola
• the
• happy
• farmer
• robert
• schumann
• classical
• music

[suziewa]

Very nice! I'm learning this piece now, aiming for bow articulation like yours.

[Bratschenmeister]

Good luck with this piece. The "Happy Farmer" bowing is very challenging. Here are a few tips: You should use full bows for each rhythmic figure. Use almost the whole bow for the dotted quarter, but make sure you still have about 8 inches of bow left for the eight notes. Before each eighth note, make sure you sink the bow into the string using the weight of your arm. Don't press with your hand. Try to make a "kissing" sound on the eighth notes by releasing after the initial attack.

[Bratschenmeister]

It's a good idea to practice this "dotted" rhythm and bowing on "Twinkle, twinkle, little star". Do this several times per day. After a few days apply what you've learned to "Happy Farmer" while continuing on "Twinkle" for extra reinforcement.

[VEVOFamosos]

@U2Live1000 This is a viola!!

[TchaikovskyFDR]

The C G and somewhat of the low part of the D string has an outstanding warm sound when played on the viola unlike the violin where its very nasal like

[Skaughtey]

@U2Live1000 it is a viola. viola's have a lower pitch. they lack the E string of a violin but have the C string which is lower than the G string. man i miss playing

[U2Live1000]

is this a viola or violin?

because my violin has way less tune, i mean like ur violin or something has a lower tune than mine =P

[04katrinaalyssa]

your videos' are perfect!

[Bratschenmeister]

Although, I wouldn't recommend using any 4th fingers in this piece, you should feel free to experiment and find what works best for you. Remember, you are trying to express a certain character and your fingering choices should support the character. Try recording this piece several times, using different fingerings. You'll be able to easily tell what works for you. Good luck!

[Bratschenmeister]

I would agree with you if this were a lyrical piece with long, singing notes. It is not a lyrical piece, however. The open strings actually contribute to the playful, rustic character of this piece. It is, after all entitled "Happy Farmer". Playing the 4th finger would actually make notes stick out. For example, covering the open A would make the high C stick out as it would be the only note on the A string. Playing 4th fingers makes for an awkward fingering for many of the passages.

[jliu524]

not all of them but there are some areas where 4th finger would be more appropriate.

open strings just sound too out of place when paired with vibrato. most consider it sloppy, but it seems like you would know that with your skill level. i'm just curious.