Günter Pichler: Bartók – String quartet no. 4 Sz 91 – III. Non troppo lento

BARTÓK, Béla

String Quartet No. 4 Sz 91 BB 95

III. Non troppo lento

Günter Pichler, professor

Leonkoro Quartet
Jonathan Schwarz, violin I
Amelie Wallner, violin II
Mayu Konoe, viola
Lukas Schwarz, cello
 

They work on the tempo and tuning of the first chords. Professor Pichler also gives them indications regarding the dynamics and sound balance between the instruments so that the harmonies are well appreciated by the public, and gives them advice on how to practice it.
For the ponticello passage, he advises not to play it so close to the tip so that they can control it better, and the sforzati should be very short and impactful. The professor makes individual corrections on details to improve but congratulates each one on their solos.
Regarding how to conduct with the instrument to go all absolutely together, he recommends watching a video of Knappertsbusch conducting Die Walküre in 1962. The gesture has to be minimal and always in tempo.
Returning to the ponticello passage, he concludes with several corrections on the distribution and speed of the bow (slower) to improve its execution.  

Language: English