Coming from a Classical Backround:
February 16, 2012

Coming from a Classical Backround:

 

The fiddle entices people from all kinds of backrounds want to play Irish music.It has great character and challenges for people willing to learn.Fiddlers (or violinists as they might prefer) coming from a classical pedigree have an advantage in that they have studied technique to a much higher degree than the average (Irish) traditional player.Though technique in  traditional music only needs to be adequate and serve as a means where as in classical music it isessential. There are techniques in traditional music of how to do rolls, triplets etc which is a different matter.Violinists I have taught have often made extremely fast progress. Technique in most cases has not been a problem and if the teacher can pass on subtler aspects of the music alongside their more than competent reading skills, great strides can be made.The approach to classical music is often academic so learning is very sequential and geared towards grades or exams of some kind and ultimately performance. It will be unusual for these players to

have developed too many bad habits hindering or limiting their progress.If a classically trained musical/student has reached an advanced stage it will be because they have adhered to the classical training.In that training whether though their teachers preferred method or through a widespread teaching such as the ‘Suzuki method’, they will have acquired the training to often excellent effect.Marked differences between fiddle and violin are, the classical player interprets what is on the sheet to a very high degree.The interpretation coming from the player is mainly left to the composer and often only with virtuoso playing can there be room for more individual expression,e.g. playing a cadenza.Irish traditional music is usually passed on by ear and learning it is anabsorption of the tune and how it fits into the tradition. With traditional music on the fiddle there is often much room for expression within the tune. This could include,the choice of tune(once it’s traditional!),style (acquired or consciously chosen), variations, bowing etc. The striving for perfection in playing a classical piece of music can often transfer to their playing and specifically the bow arm when approaching Irish music.

 

Advice for classical Players:

One of the first goals is to get away from any rigidity that may be in the playing musically or physically in the approach, especially at the right arm/wrist. Classical players might also have an overuse of vibrato which can really halt progress in traditional fiddling.Vibrato is used with traditional fiddler in slow airs and faster tunes albeit very subtly.It is often incorporated into a players overall style rather than a technique in itself.Traditional players who have this within their style are Kevin Burke, Martin Byrnes and many others.