Detaché

dé-ta-ché: separated

The most basic stroke - learn to get it just right.

Hint: You'll need a mirror to check your straight bow.

Definition

Definition

Review Straight Bow Geometry.

Keep the bow speed and pressure constant.

Use a mirror to keep your bow straight. Position yourself so that your strings are parallel to the mirror in order to see your bow at a perfect right angle.

readmore

Exercises

Beginner

Down bow: Push your elbow forward to keep the bow straight at the tip.

Up bow: Pull your elbow back as you move to the middle of the bow.

Keep your bow grip steady!

Review Straight Bow Geometry.

readmore

Intermediate

The elbow pushes forward on every down bow.

The elbow pulls back on every up bow.

Adjust the sounding point and the degree of arm extension with every string crossing.

readmore

Advanced 1 - Beethoven

Practice the string crossing using detaché according to martelé principles:

Make a very fast string crossing at the end of the old stroke.

Start each note on the new string with a martelé.

Keep your bow straight at all times.

readmore

Scales with Rhythms

For this exercise you need:
  • Mirror
  • Metronome
  • Rhythm patterns
  • A very straight bow
For more information, visit
Scales, Arpeggios, & Double Stops.
readmore

Master Classes

Sibelius: Violin Concerto, 1st m.

Establish each sound by repeating only one note.

Upper half: sounding point at the bridge, more pressure

Lower half: sounding point closer to the fingerboard, less pressure.

readmore

Beethoven: Violin Concerto, 3rd m.

For double stops in this passage, use a fast wrist motion to throw the up bow. Use bow placement to achieve a seamless transition between detaché and spiccato.

Detaché: above the middle of the bow.

Spiccato: slightly below the middle of the bow.

readmore

Performances

Kreisler: Praeludium & Allegro

Violin, Stephanie Zyzak

Piano, Ina Ham.

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons, Spring, 1st m.

Violin, Tessa Lark

Starling Chamber Orchestra