Bowing
How to do sautille
Sautille is a very fast bouncing stroke played around the middle of the bow where the stick bounces but the hair stays essentially in contact with the string. Unlike spiccato, the bounce is not actively controlled note by note; the player sets up the right conditions and lets the bow's natural elasticity do the work, producing rapid, brilliant articulation. Sautille is the go-to stroke for very fast passagework (think the finales of Mendelssohn or Mozart concertos). It signals advanced, relaxed bow control because it depends on collaborating with the bow rather than muscling each note.
How to practice it
- 1Begin with a small, fast detache near the middle of the bow on an open string, keeping the stroke short and light.
- 2Gradually increase speed until the stick begins to bounce on its own; do not force it off the string.
- 3Stay on one pitch or open string for 8 to 16 strokes before changing notes, so you can feel the natural bounce settle in.
- 4Experiment with moving slightly toward or away from the middle to find the spot where the bow bounces most easily.
- 5Keep the right hand relaxed; let the small natural rebound of the stick produce the motion rather than the arm.
Common mistakes
- Trying to control each bounce as in spiccato, which kills the natural speed.
- Tension in the hand or arm that prevents the stick from bouncing freely.
- Playing in the wrong part of the bow (too close to frog or tip) where natural bounce is harder to find.
- Changing notes too soon before the bounce is stable.
Frequently asked
What is sautille?
Sautille is a very fast bouncing stroke played around the middle of the bow where the stick bounces but the hair stays essentially in contact with the string. Unlike spiccato, the bounce is not actively controlled note by note; the player sets up the right conditions and lets the bow's natural elasticity do the work, producing rapid, brilliant articulation. Sautille is the go-to stroke for very fast passagework (think the finales of Mendelssohn or Mozart concertos). It signals advanced, relaxed bow control because it depends on collaborating with the bow rather than muscling each note.
How do I practice sautille?
Begin with a small, fast detache near the middle of the bow on an open string, keeping the stroke short and light. Gradually increase speed until the stick begins to bounce on its own; do not force it off the string. Stay on one pitch or open string for 8 to 16 strokes before changing notes, so you can feel the natural bounce settle in. Experiment with moving slightly toward or away from the middle to find the spot where the bow bounces most easily. Keep the right hand relaxed; let the small natural rebound of the stick produce the motion rather than the arm.
How do I check my sautille is working?
Record a passage that uses it and get scored on tone, evenness, and intonation, the same things a teacher listens for. The recording reveals what your ears miss in the room. Your first take is free, no signup.
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