Kissel, Brigitte - Doubles cordes au violoncelle

English and French text

This book contains complementary work on double-stopping for cellists from the first year up to intermediate level.
Although the cello is essentially a monodic instrument, from time to time players bow on two, three or even all four strings together.
Children should be given the opportunity as early on as possible to hear these double sounds (which are embryonic chords).
This will have the advantage of enlarging their aural perception, and the young cellist will learn to "tame" the double sounds in a relaxed fashion.
In Part One, the emphasis is on open string work, with more complex rhythms and bow positions introduced gradually.
Even an advanced student should come back to this section from time to time.
The following abbreviations for bow positions are used throughout this book:

• (TA) = WB whole bow
• (T) = H heel
• (P) = P point
• (M) = M middle

In Parts Two and Three of this book the pupil will study the first four positions. Brief preparatory exercises are followed by suitable pieces and folksongs which, we trust, the student will enjoy playing.
Part Four is dedicated to the study of thirds, followed by sixths.
The book is rounded off by a study of the fifth and sixth positions, with three- and four-note chords.
Each part has its own progression, from the easier up to the harder.
This is the reason why the teachers are not compelled to follow the book page after page: within each part, they shall look up exercises and pieces that are aimed at their pupils.
Mastering the art of double-stopping opens the door to whole new world of sound, which we hope the pupil will enjoy discovering.

CONTENTS
Part One: Open strings
Practice in slurring
Staccato practice
Combining "détaché" and slurs
More complex rhythms
Compound time

Part two: one open string - one stopped string
1st position
1st and 2nd positions
1st and 3rd positions
1st and 4th positions
4 positions together

Part Three: Two stopped strings
1st position
1st position with extensions - 1/2 position
1st and 2nd positions
1st, 2nd and 3rd positions
1st and 4th positions
4 positions together

Part Four:
Thirds
Sixths
Thirds and sixths together
Learning the 5th and 6th positions
Learning to play 3-note and 4-note chords