Technique
Saint-Saëns intimate knowledge of violin technique is obvious in the Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso. Most importantly, his choice of key allows the soloist to use harmonics on the tonic, dominant, and dominant of the dominant to bring brightness and color to the fast paced sea of notes as well as allowing the soloist to easily jump octaves for added flavor and texture. The use of range as well shows off the violin’s capabilities. The melancholic introduction remains in a darker low range while the brighter coda stays on the E string for nearly the entire 32 bars. Also, the use of repeated staccato up bows implies that this piece was meant to be a show piece, showcasing both the instrument and the performer. Finally, the two most emotionally intense passages employ the use of multiple strings, emphasizing the power and harmony of the music.
Read more about this topic: Introduction And Rondo Capriccioso
Famous quotes containing the word technique:
“The mere mechanical technique of acting can be taught, but the spirit that is to give life to lifeless forms must be born in a man. No dramatic college can teach its pupils to think or to feel. It is Nature who makes our artists for us, though it may be Art who taught them their right mode of expression.”
—Oscar Wilde (1854–1900)
“I cannot think that espionage can be recommended as a technique for building an impressive civilisation. It’s a lout’s game.”
—Rebecca West (1892–1983)
“The moment a man begins to talk about technique that’s proof that he is fresh out of ideas.”
—Raymond Chandler (1888–1959)