How would I notate me wanting the violinist to not play on the E string
So, there is one part of the second movement of the string orchestra suite I am writing where I intend for the second violins to have a duet with the violas. In this, I do not want the violinists to play on their E string because I need the violin sound to be darker so that it won't overpower the viola sound. I would not indicate a Sul A because several of these notes are a bit too far apart and would require the violinist to shift rapidly.
Both measures listed below have the exact notes that I intend to not be played on the E string.
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Comments
How about staff text, just like any other composer directive?
I'd put in a few specific fingerings in this case.
In reply to I'd put in a few specific by Isaac Weiss
Hmm, I think that's probably the best solution. Could you elaborate more on this?
In reply to Hmm, I think that's probably by Elwin
Like, say, put a 3 on the first note, and that would mean to play with the third finger on the A string (in third position) instead of the first on the E string. A few other fingerings, strategically placed, would keep in higher positions until you end it by adding a first-position fingering to a note.
In reply to Like, say, put a 3 on the by Isaac Weiss
Yeah, um, I am not really a violinist (Though I have played before), I am also not considering asking My sister to see what fingering she'd use since she'd probably not be interested.
In reply to Yeah, um, I am not really a by Elwin
I'd ask her anyway. Print out the page, take it to her with a pencil, and ask "Hey, how would you play this part without going onto the E string?" It will take her two minutes to figure out solid fingerings.
How about:
above the E ?
In reply to How by MikeN
I do not quite get what you mean.
In reply to How by MikeN
Sorry, that was meant to be a little joke -- a red "no" sign prohibiting the little circle indicating open string. As someone above said, the usual way that the editor tells you not to use the open string is a finger number for the note. I would just do that.
There is no perfect way to indicate simply "any sting other than the open one". (Assuming that my new symbol above is not adopted of course...) You can nominate a specific string like the A using "Sul II" or just "II", but that applies to a passage, and then you have to indicate the end of the scope, which in your case is just one note...
In reply to How by MikeN
Oops. I had not read your question properly. Ignore everything I said.
What about "non sul E" and indicate with a dashed line ? Since "non sul pont" means don't play on the bridge then I'm betting a violinist can work it out.
Another thing to consider:
If you are an extremely experienced violinist are absolutely confident that the sound of the switch to the "E" string will be problematic in this context based on years of actual experience performing in similar contexts, then by all means, include such a notation. But frankly, as someone who doesn't play violin but works (as a pianist) with string players regualrly, I very much doubt it would be worth the effort. Whatever gain you might get by forcing someone to stay on the "A" string will probably be more than lost by the awkwardness of having to play the passage in an unnatural manner. And chances are, the actual difference in sound would be negligible, or even not what you are expecting. As with bowing, it is often best to let the string players make their own decisions on matters of technique. Again, unless you are yourself an extremely experienced string player. Speaking from my own experience, string players almost invariably prefer to make their own decisions in such matters, and in fact routinely ignore instructions that run counter to what they know to be more effective technique.