A couple of questions about the violin?

Question

First of all I read on wikipedia what it's highest note is and then Finale 2008 gave me a different answer so I'm getting a third opinion? Second are harmonics extremely hard to do in sucsession or can a good violinst play an entire melody in harmonics?

I really mean with harmonics in sucsession is it possible.

For clarification I don't plan on playing Violin this is solely for compositional purposes.

Answer 1

As far as the highest note question goes, there is truly no "right" answer. People choose these notes as a point of convenience, rather than fact.

If you're writing for a violin player, these would be my suggestions:

Beginner: B (above the first ledger line above the staff)
Intermediate: E (three ledger lines above the staff)
Advanced: C (an octave above the one that's two ledger lines above the staff)
"Expert": Notes two octaves above the E mentioned under "intermediate" would start to feel a little excessive

Hope this helps

Answer 2

Yes on the harmonics being difficult to do in succession. Listen to Vivaldi. I don't know about the highest note on the violin as I've never played anything in the third position. I am low level intermediate. I have been researching a little bit lately and came across information regarding harmonics, it wasn't useful at the time but now I'm glad I ran across it. Google "violin harmonics" and you can find loads and loads on it. Have a good one.

Answer 3

Yes, it's possible to play harmonics in succession (I mean, an entire melody build on harmonic sounds). Listen to the third theme (C) from the rondo "La Campanella" (the third movement of Paganini's Second Violin Concerto).

Answer 4

At a moderate tempo, bugle calls aren't extremely difficult to play in harmonics. When I was in high school, my fellow violin students and I liked to play Taps in harmonics.

Low so is played as a harmonic on the fifth.
Do is played as a harmonic on the fourth.
Mi is played as a harmonic on the major third.
High so is played as a harmonic on the major second.

Answer 5

Yes, you can play harmonics in succession. Ruggiero Ricci uses a technique which is good for that. See:

Interview with Ruggiero Ricci
http://www.violinist.com/blog/laurie/200712/7851/

Also, there is a very good general essay on harmonics, in the Files section of string_teacher_support. You will have to subscribe to see it (but you can go Read only, if you like).

See:
Violin_Harmonics_PaulZukofsky.pdf
Violin harmonics: discussion & graphics (Paul Zukofsky)

at:
"Files" (left hand column of the homepage for):
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/string_teacher_support/

Answer 6

Entire melodies can be played with harmonics. Yes, they are difficult :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJnLS4fbKfc

The harmonics occur at about 3.50 but you should watch the whole thing....wonderful playing by a great violinist.

Answer 7

yes, a melody can be played in all harmonics, and never, ever trust anything you read on Wikipidia. people can go on and edit that... don't trust it. Yes, harmonics are not easy at all, but yeah. Don't trust Wikipidia.

Answer 8

hey can i email or im you? i have some questions to ask you about mozarts pieces.