WHAT IS GOOD STRING

WRITING?
14a

Norman Ludwin

Learning the power range of the instrument

This is the range where the instrument has the most sound,
projection, and characteristic tone

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The top string for all the strings has the most power
The low string has the most color and weight

Examples
n Writing

of good ideas:

on the E string for the violin so it has maximum power and

projection
n Avoid the violas highest register where they dont play often and
sound thin
n Giving the cello a solo in its higher range, on their top A string
n Writing for the bass in its middle range, and using its lowest notes
judiciously

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The string family (violin, viola, cello, and double bass), are the backbone of the
symphony orchestra. They were the first section to be fully utilized by
composers, and one could even make the claim that they are the most
indispensable family in our modern orchestra. The main reasons for this are as
follows:
The string family is the largest section with by far the most players. Because they
share parts, they are often called upon to play virtually non-stop, from the first
note to the last.
Their range covers seven octaves.
They possess amazing dynamic variety, with the ability to go quickly from the
softest pppp to a thunderous ffff.
Since all four instruments produce sound in the same way they blend together
better than any other family.
Their rich, warm tone enables them to produce the expressive, legato passages
that are so vital to musical expression.
Their versatility in producing a variety of sounds, such as pizzicato, ponticello,
muted, and percussive sounds.
This tutorial attempts to explain, in detail what elements make up effective string
writing.

No awkward leaps (larger than a tenth)

No continual playing, like a computer
No wide register shifts, like you see in piano music
Use sharp keys (when possible), i.e. G, D, A and E
(and C)
Intelligent use of enharmonic writing
Playable double stops, particularly those with an
open string

Sharing material amongst the players

Each part interesting and complete on its own
1st and 2nd violins not continually doubling each other
Viola as an independent voice
Lyrical writing for the cello
Bass part not simplified beyond any interest
Interesting doublings
1st violin-viola
2nd violin -cello
Viola-double

bass

Use of slurs to connect phrases

No similar pitches slurred
Not too many notes under slurs
Legato passages slurred
Forte and agitated passages separate
Not slurring over the barline
Consistent markings for each part and for all the
players

All down bows-for very loud passages

Spiccato-bow bouncing off the string-done naturally
by the player
Marcato-every note clearly articulated
Varying legato with separate notes
Playing at the tip for soft, delicate passages
Appropriate use of the down and up bowing
indications

Pizzicato-Using the fingers of the left hand

Harmonics (natural and artificial)-The overtones of the
strings
Sordinos-Mutes
Ponticellos-Bowing close to, or on top of the bridge
Sul tasto-Bowing over the fingerboard
Bartok pizz-Pizzicato where the strings snaps on the
fingerboard
Col legno-Hitting the string with the wood of the bow
Molto vibrato-Pronounced vibrato
Senza vibrato-No vibrato

Remember: strings are loved for their legato,

romantic, espressivo sound, therefore we all must
strive to write for them with this in mind
Examine works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Brahms and
other Romantic composers and examine their
beautiful string writing

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Wide use of dynamics

Varied use of articulations
Tempo changes to reflect the musics changing
moods
Modulations to relieve the monotony of one key
center
Interesting melodies
Creative orchestrations
Effective development of material

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Listen to the masterpieces of orchestral music, and pick

passages that impress and touch you
Get those scores and note how the composers wrote
those passages
Write the passages you particularly like in a notebook
with your comments about how they sounded and
possibilities for later use
Use this notebook to store and develop techniques that
you gradually incorporate into your own writing
Keep striving to learn more and to make yourself a
better, more complete musician and composer