I am attempting to produce my first composition for stringed orchestra using NoteWorthy Composer. I have found the resources on the Scriptorium quite helpful, but was wondering if anyone might have more information on strings.
For instance, I am wondering how you would notate position information for high schoolers, what are the ranges of each position, as opposed to simply the string ranges (open fingering).
Also, how would you grade stringed orchestra music? How do you break the pieces into parts; for instance, do you ever have a Cello I and II? Do you ever write multiple lines for one part (diads for Violin I, for instance)?
I know, it sounds like its time for music school, but I wasn't planning on changing careers, just a hobby.
I blame all this on Tina for inspiring me through her outstanding efforts!
Thanks, and Merry Christmas!
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Hello there! I think I can help! Especially with fingerings and such, considering I'm a junior in high school and am very familiar with the string orchestra.
Notating positions isn't too complicated. The positions are often marked with Roman numerals. For instance, if the composer/editor decided that a passage should be played in the third position, a Roman numeral three would be placed above the first note of the passage, along with the numbered fingering on at least the first note. If you don't know this already, the fingers are numbered 1-4, 1 being the index finger, 2 the middle finger, 3 the ring finger, and finally 4, the little finger or pinky (whatever you call it ;-)), each finger producing a higher tone in that order. The positions are as follows:
First position-The lowest position on the instrument. Range-lowest string G (G below middle C) to the D above middle C, open string D to the A above middle C, open string A to E two octaves above middle C, then highest string E to B two octaves above middle C. The open strings are, from highest to lowest, G, D, A, E, and each tone can be produced with the 'fourth' finger on the next lowest string (except the G string--it is always open).
Second position-This is an awkward position and takes some getting used to, so it isn't used much in high school. But it starts where the second finger would normally touch on the string. For example, on the A string, the second finger would normally be used to play the C one octave above middle C, but in second position, this note is played with the first (or index) finger. This allows a player to play C-F# on this one string.
Third position and above-Third position is the most common position other than first. On the G string, the first finger is placed to produce middle C, normally played by the third finger in first position. This allows the player to play C-F# on this one string. Moving to the next higher string (D) allows the player to play G-C#, the next string (A) D-G#, and the highest string (E) A-D#. As the player moves into higher positions he can achieve higher notes and can prevent string crossings that would make some pieces awkward and more difficult than they have to be.
This is all I have time for now. You can e-mail about anymore specific questions that you have Der_Musikstubengelehrter@hotmail.com
Hopefully all of that made some sense, but I can answer anymore questions or more specific questions you have about the positions and such if you e-mail me and I can get back to it another time.
HTH!
Daniel
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