Another session with a possible encore selection- Paganini’s Caprice no. 16! Deceptively simple, but actually quite a handful for coordination and highlighting the rhythmic contours of the caprice, as indicated by the forte emphases.
~
A balanced left hand frame coupled with minimal finger pressure I find is key - I’m experimenting around with nearly horizontal finger placement, rather than the common diagonal placement. The finger pad indentations made by the string almost look like one line running laterally across...! This helps with more efficient finger movement and mobility in certain extensions.
~
Practicing in triplets repetitions per note also helps train the left hand to be led with the bow- during this version/exercise (2nd clip), the left hand is slower than the right hand, whilst the latter hand still follows the down and up bow pattern per note.
~
As for intonation, I find it helpful to practice very softly, with each finger of the left hand easing (or rather, even at times gliding!) into its corresponding note. Imagining a small semi-semi tone slide into the actual note helps realize this easing in movement. After all, intonation is all about instantaneous micro adjustments.
~
And... Here I am again with another piece of practice wear from @twosetapparel- basically, the T-shirt quips, “Don’t practice. Geniuses are born, not created”. **Disclaimer: it isn’t quite true.
~