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Fingerings for Elgar’s Nimrod

Need help.

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fiddlrgrrl

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October 24, 2018 - 12:16 am

Member Since: January 23, 2012

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Can anyone help me with the fingerings where it says Sul D and sul A? Those, and the harmonic D,are only marked on the first line of the music. I assume that continues through the piece but it’s confusing. I’m pretty comfortable with shifting between 1st, 3rd, and 5th positions but this one is giving me trouble.

If anyone has the Violin 1 and could write them in and post it that would be very helpful. Would that be a copyright problem?

I’m already not fond of this piece and this shifting is difficult so far.

Fiddlrgrrl

BillyG

Brora, North-east Scotland

October 24, 2018 - 1:51 am

Member Since: March 22, 2014

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@fiddlrgrrl - I have looked at this piece and picked-out bits of it - it's not on the top of my list of things to do - but - in answer to your question - it is my understanding that the Sul D and Sul A apply only where they are shown.

I say this - because- having listened to a number of orchestral versions, and kind-of interpreted from the score itself - the opening bars vary from almost a whisper ( ppp ) to a soft murmur ( pp ) and as the piece progresses, it becomes more and more strident / fff like - I suspect the opening bars Sul D / A are really intended to retain that ppp / whisper-like / ethereal feel - as a lead-in to the majesty and power of what follows - just my thoughts and I know that's not very scientific - but it's how I understand it as of now.....