For whatever reason, I never worked through the Rode caprices when I was in school. So this one is brand new to me, and I really like it. It focuses on octaves/double-stop style handframe while consistently crossing strings.

Not terribly difficult, but needs pristine intonation

(I mean, what doesn’t?) #TheEtudes #Violinist #PierreRode

The cantabile slow intro (opera recit + aria, anyone?) lets me use the shaping I was working on in Kreutzer 1. Then lots of 3rd finger trills and triplets

Using Galamian fingerings is interesting. One of my most influential teachers was Galamianesque, and I thought I’d retained more of his fingering tendencies than I have. More half-step slides on 1st or 4th than I remember. Gotta make sure my hand is balanced so the shift works

#TheEtudes #Violinist #PierreRode

Thank the lordt, finally on to Rode 1! Kreutzer 1 was sucking my will to live. My fault, probably: I needed to do more with the phrasing

Anyway, this week is Rode 1. Unlike the Kreutzer etudes, the Rode 24 Caprices are designed to go through all 24 major & minor key signatures. So this week we’re in C major. With lots of ornamental chromaticism, of course

#TheEtudes #Violinist #PierreRode

I’m currently playing this at 60=quarter note. Which is a little faster than Adagio sostenuto, but is still plenty slow for me now

The runs all feel pretty much fine now, it’s actually making musical decisions and not playing this like I’m a dang MIDI file that’s the current challenge

Just a few more days of this, then new Etude on Friday!

#TheEtudes #Violinist #Kreutzer

Coming back to this weeks later

I’ve been struggling a lot with motivation. My body is changing as I age, and I have to experiment with what works for my body NOW as opposed to 15 years ago. I *can* get my playing back up several levels, but I need to be patient, kind, and creative with myself

#TheEtudes #Violinist #Kreutzer