Detache

Detache is french for separate bows, not to be confused with the english "detached" - with space between the notes.

Learning Concepts Helps build a consistent and confident sound Improves projection Improves control of the entire bow, especially at the very frog and tip

Detache Exercise 1 (Lower)

From Kruetzer Etudes No. 2

Play in the lower half (from the very frog to the exact middle)

Detaché Instructions
1.Play as loud as possible.
a.Bow next to the bridge (Control the "Sounding Point").
b.Keep the bow straight
c.Keep bow hair flat
d.Use the entire upper or lower half of the bow.
e. Use leverage and a heavy arm to add weight to the bow, not finger pressure.
2.Use the proper muscles and bones in the right sequence or order of motion (see below) to go up bow and down bow - always leading with the elbow and dragging the wrist and fingers in both directions (up and down).

 

Detache Exercise I1 (Upper)

From Kruetzer Etudes No. 2

Play in the exact upper half (from the exact middle to the tip)

Detaché Instructions
1.Play as loud as possible.
a.Bow next to the bridge (Control the "Sounding Point").
b.Keep the bow straight
c.Keep bow hair flat
d.Use the entire upper or lower half of the bow.
e. Use leverage and a heavy arm to add weight to the bow, not finger pressure.
2.Use the proper muscles and bones in the right sequence or order of motion (see below) to go up bow and down bow - always leading with the elbow and dragging the wrist and fingers in both directions (up and down).

 

 

 

Order of motion & leverage
is used to add pressure to the bow by turning the bones of the forearm (the Ulnas and Radius) in or out versus squeezing between the thumb and the first finger of the right hand and pressing to get the sound out. If you set the hand, always staying flexible in the wrist and fingers, and turn the two bones of the forearm into the string (counterclockwise) there is less pressure pushed onto the top of the violin and the top plate of the violin is allowed to vibrate more. On the down bow a big sound is accomplished by using a combination of leverage and arm weight. On the up bow we are fighting gravity and leading with the elbow and using leverage not arm weight. Pulling the bow this way allows you a fullness of sound not possible by just squeezing or pressing.

The proper order of motion would be, starting at the tip, deltoid muscle used to raise the elbow while dragging the wrist, fingers and bow, as you go up bow. For the down bow use gravity-heavy arm and the biceps and deltoid to lower the elbow while dragging the wrist, fingers, and bow, as you go down bow.

3 sound issues to work on with Detaché:
1. Weight
2. Bow speed
3. Sounding Point

An exercise can be used to work on each of these sound issues.
Play with a heavy bow for half the bow heavy and half the bow light.
Then 3 times heavy and light.
Then 4 times all the way to 8 times heave and light.
Do that with bow speed and sounding point and you are on your way to controlling each of these sound issues.

3 magical bow things:
1. Dragging the bow - leading with deltoid (arm) and dragging flexible fingers.
2. The sideways bow circle - down and out, up and in a clockwise stirring to keep the sounding point close to the bridge without pressing to keep it there.
3. Suponate (at the frog) and Pronate (at the tip)

Another great exercise for bow control is Kreutzer Etude #13 at the frog or tip.

Try Sibelius run up the g string at the frog.
Or Bach E Major Partita string crossing section in the Preludio at the frog!!!