Viennese Bass Method - Lesson 12.

Lesson 12. - Thumb Position: Reverse Shift

With this lesson we conclude the period Viennese Bass Method section and introduce the most advanced technical element of the Viennese solo literature - the Reverse Shift. The previous lessons have explained the use of upper harmonics in arpeggio and double stops passages and this lesson will demonstrate the period mastery of using harmonic on the entire melodic phrases. The term Reverse Shift was selected in order to describe this procedure accurately, as it is absent from the standard bass repertoire and contra-intuitive to the modern practice.

In the modern technique we are accustomed to approach the shifting in a linear way, where the higher pitches are approached from the lower strings and positions regardless of the register. In the Viennese technique this rule is an exception in the higher positions where sometime we approach the higher pitch by switching to the lower string - or respectively in descending passages "shift in reverse" from lower to higher string.

This practice is most evident on the 19th position thumb register, in which almost the entire A major scale can be played on the harmonics in a single position, thus offering an exceptional speed and ease of execution once mastered. Most of the Vanhal high register figurations will use this technique and so will also the advanced Sperger concerti. This technique can indeed offer an agility of high register performance on par with solo violoncello and violin practice, and was certainly responsible for the outstanding reception of period performances.

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Posted:          November 9, 2009