Hi, this is Paul Huppert with OnlineLessonVideos.com. In today’s lesson, we’re going to work on the selection, My Country Tis of Thee. Actually, the music for this was composed by Muzio Clementi. It was taken from one of his symphonies. This too was made famous of course by the lyrics that were contributed by Samuel Francis Smith. Here is a sample.
Let’s begin with the opening melody for this arrangement of My Country Tis of Thee. It will be in the key of G major, 3/4 time and essentially using a legato bow stroke. We start in the first position, actually the opening melody is entirely in the first position and we will be incorporating the fourth finger. Let’s start with the G natural, third finger on the D string [demonstration]. Vibrato is optional, I would recommend it especially for this opening segment of the arrangement [demonstration], fourth finger [demonstration] not just little bit this opening measure in legato with the left hand as well as the right [demonstration]. Try to attach these notes as smoothly as possible. Vibrato can be an aid in achieving this [demonstration].
Next, we go to an F sharp [demonstration]. When using vibrato, it’s a good idea to angle the fingers like so, so that your first joint nearest the fingertip [demonstration] can be in a relaxed position and move back and forth [demonstration]. The key here is structure or position and relaxation [demonstration].
Now we go to the A string [demonstration], open A [demonstration]. Notice while I’m playing the open A [demonstration], I’m already preparing the third finger to go on to the D string [demonstration]. Let me play that measure for you again [demonstration].
So, preparation is the key here [demonstration]. Fourth finger [demonstration] very broad bow [demonstration], low 2 or C natural [demonstration]. Notice the angle of the first finger since we have a minimal half step this way when the finger approaches from this angle, you get a little bit closer half step as opposed to this kind of positioning [demonstration].
Let me play that measure for you again [demonstration]. That first finger [demonstration] here we have a slur [demonstration]. Let me do that for you again [demonstration], fourth finger [demonstration], low 2 [demonstration], slur [demonstration]. At this point [demonstration], we go into the double stop work.
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