Thoughts on the bow: "Even sawing wood is quicker with less force"

Bowing tips

I thought Id share an idea about bow pressure.

The analogy I used with my student today was the following:
 "Pretend he was using a saw to cut down a tree that is about 5 inches in diameter. If you are "hard pressed" for time(sorry for the awful pun), the temptation might be to bear down with the saw into the tree trunk and try to saw it in half.  I suggest using light long and fast strokes instead and this should actually cut the trunk with much more ease and effectiveness."

The ensuing result was a free floating bow stroke that produced wonderful, full-bodied, unforced sonority.  No more engaging the shoulder muscles(use those for brick laying or rugby) just relaxed floating of the bow.  I suggest trying this the next time you perform a piece with tons of tremolo such as Bruckner 4.

More thoughts later, if they come to me...:)

BD