How to Produce Subharmonics on the Violin

Author: Kimura M.

Source: Journal of New Music Research, Volume 28, Number 2, June 1999 , pp. 178-184(7)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

On April 1994 in New York city, I introduced subharmonics as a musical element to extend the violin's range by a full octave below the open G string without changing the tuning. Since then, I am now able to play not only an octave below, but also almost all the chromatic intervals below the fundamental notes by applying different amount of bow pressure (Kimura, 1997). This article explains the empirical data and elements for producing subharmonics including bow location and pressure on the string and the age of strings. This article also introduces a curious method; it was found that a ''twisted'' string works better. These different subharmonics for string players will also afford composers broader possibilities in creating their works. This article is also accompanied by sound examples, as well as excerpts from my compositions using subharmonics.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1076/jnmr.28.2.178.3118

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