Strings

What it means

Strings are the instruments whose strings are bowed, as well as the players themselves. In the orchestra they form five sections: first and second violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. All, except the double bass with its tuning in fourths, are tuned in perfect fifths and similarly built — a body with top and back, bridge, fingerboard without frets, four strings. Historically, alongside this stands the family of viols, with frets, a different hold, and a different bowing.

Musical use

Strings are the backbone of the orchestra, because they are the only group scored in large numbers and thereby merge into a unified sound. The bow allows notes to be held for any length of time and shaped while doing so, which brings them close to the singing voice. Their palette of colours is large: bowed or plucked, with or without mutes, at the fingerboard or at the bridge, in double stops, harmonics, and divided parts. From this it follows that one and the same section reaches from delicate shimmer to full force, without changing instrument.

Performance practice

In the ensemble, uniformity is decisive: the same bow strokes, the same point of contact, a shared conception of articulation. Take over the entered arrangement of the voice leading, even if you would play differently in private. When tuning, listen to the group and not only to your own instrument; in the orchestra one tunes to the oboe. Plan tricky spots with your desk partner, for instance staggered bow changes on long notes or the division in divisi. Watch the maintenance of instrument and bow and keep spare strings ready.

Bear in mind that seating arrangement and desk scoring co-determine the sound: a divided arrangement of the violins left and right makes exchanges audible that blur in a modern arrangement. Check what the work presupposes. Watch intonation in chords by orienting yourself by the bass and the root, instead of by your own line. Clarify the use of vibrato as a shared decision, because it strongly shapes sound and stylistic membership. Keep spare strings and rosin within reach and check the bow hair regularly.