Sixths feel comfortable to the hand but are deceptively difficult to tune. Fischer introduces the concept of "parallel" versus "oblique" motion within the hand. The exercises in this section are worth the price of the book alone.
This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later.
: For thirds alone, Fischer provides 20 distinct exercises; the actual scale is only the final step.
Most manuals are just lists of fingerings. Fischer argues that if you can't already play scales fluently, a list of notes won't help you get there.
Release vertical finger pressure slightly during the slide to avoid a tense, jerky motion. Keep the thumb relaxed and moving fluidly with the hand. Advanced Practice Strategies Organizing Your Practice Sheets simon fischer double stops pdf
: Must be tuned perfectly flat with zero acoustic waves or "beats."
Before playing two notes together, practice each line individually. Play the lower voice as a continuous melody, then play the upper voice. This builds auditory awareness of how the two lines interact. 2. The "Adding" Method
One of the fascinating insights from an interview with Fischer is the origin of some of his exercises. He cites a direct inspiration for his preparatory approach as the Jahnke Double Stops scale-studies book, which was difficult to obtain in the West. More specifically, Fischer adapted a piano exercise by Rafael Joseffy for the violin. This exercise, which repeats a pattern a semitone higher each time through the octave, forms a powerful "double-stop practice sequence".
The book is available through major music retailers like Edition Peters and covers a vast array of intervals and techniques: Sixths feel comfortable to the hand but are
The Simon Fischer Double Stops PDF is a valuable resource for string players seeking to improve their technical and musical skills. By following Fischer's systematic approach, players can develop a strong foundation in double stops and enhance their overall musicianship. Whether you're a student, teacher, or professional musician, this resource can help you take your playing to the next level.
: A common pitfall is reacting to the extra bow weight needed for double stops by pressing harder with the left hand. Fischer stresses that the finger pressure required to stop a string remains the same whether playing one note or four; excessive pressing leads to left-hand tension. Bow Weight Distribution
The report identifies several recurring themes in Fischer's double-stop pedagogy: Interview with Simon Fischer: Double Stops - Violinist.com
The widespread search for Fischer’s works in PDF format underscores the reputation he has cultivated in the violin community. Fischer, a British violinist and pedagogue, is renowned for his ability to deconstruct complex violinistic problems into logical, step-by-step components. Unlike the etudes of Kreutzer or Rode, which often present the problem (the double stop) as the exercise itself, Fischer’s writings focus on the preparation for the problem. A PDF extract of his double stop exercises often reveals not just musical lines, but detailed annotations on geometry, leverage, and muscle release. This accessibility makes his work highly sought after, yet the fragmentation of his books into digital snippets can sometimes rob the student of the necessary context required to execute the exercises correctly. This public link is valid for 7 days
If you would like to explore this topic further, let me know:
: You do not need double the finger pressure for a double stop. Keep the hand feeling as light as if you were playing single notes to avoid tension.
Simon Fischer, a world-renowned violinist and pedagogue, has revolutionized the way we look at violin technique. His analytical, systematic approach breaks down complex physical movements into digestible, highly effective exercises.
Simon Fischer ’s approach to double stops focuses on "dividing and conquering"—breaking complex chords into simple components before reassembling them. You can find several specific exercise PDFs on his official site, such as Double Stop Intonation and Thirds in Double Stops .
: A core philosophy is maintaining a "soft and free" hand, similar to when not playing the instrument. Exercises encourage moving the hand in various directions (pulling knuckles out, pushing forward, rotating circles) while keeping notes in tune to ensure joint flexibility. Essential Practice Methods