String Instruments And Dynamics

A couple things have been brought to my attention in my writing which made me a bit concerned about achieving the results I want (specifically, that it is diffictult to play notes in higher positions at a lower dynamic, or at least, with a slower bow). At the moment, I'm concerned with extremely quiet playing and seamless crescendo/decrescendos between dynamic extremes, as well as variations of flautando and sul tasto bowing. Any things I should keep in mind would be much appreciated, open strings, high and low positions, bow pressure, etc.

Thanks for the input.

More questions: is playing quietly on open strings simply difficult to control, or something that should not be expected entirely? What about natural harmonics?

Not necessarily comparing natural vs artificial, I'm just mostly concerned with dynamic control over the sound.

Good to know about the open strings, though.

Not necessarily comparing natural vs artificial, I'm just mostly concerned with dynamic control over the sound. Good to know about the open strings, though.

It tends to be pretty easy to control dynamics of natural harmonics, but the same rule applies as stated above that the higher you go, the lower the volume limit.

It tends to be pretty easy to control dynamics of natural harmonics, but the same rule applies as stated above that the higher you go, the lower the volume limit.

Another question: can the following be executed on a stopped note?

It seems that every time I encounter this, it is played on a natural harmonic, though I think I can make out an E4 in the beginning of this:

Is damping required to get the same wispiness? Is it possible to achieve relative dynamics in such a quiet sound?

Oh, and what about double stops? Is dynamic control generally compromised when playing 2 strings simultaneously?

None of the above will present any problems as long as the player is of a high technical standard. To be honest, if you are really interested in answering these kinds of questions the best thing you can do is to learn a stringed instrument yourself (NOT the guitar), failing that, make friends with string players, go to recitals and orchestral concerts. There is no substitute for first-hand knowledge and experience.

Here is an example of extremely quiet playing. It's a balancing act between using the smallest amount of bow on the string while still getting it to "speak." It's done on the cello so there is more neck position variability than on the violin. If you have access to a music library, go and check out some scores. :nod:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8qg_0P9L6c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXrrpTpgDa4&feature=youtu.be'>here is a piece that's all about sounds that are somewhere between "as quiet as possible" and "too quiet to be possible" (http://charliesdraulig.com/hush.pdf'>score)