Welcome to "Intermezzo" — where we take a few minutes to bounce some ideas around about classical music.
Our cohost this week is Jad Ibrahim, who has been sharing stories about his life as a violinist at Interlochen Arts Academy. Today, Jad introduces you to a challenging violin technique called left-hand pizzicato.
Left-hand pizzicato requires the violinist to press the string with one finger while plucking it with another from the same hand — all while still using the bow.
It’s a tricky, demanding skill, but one Jad is mastering. currently working on pieces like Niccolo Paganini’s Caprice No. 24.
Check out this example below from Paganini's Caprice, played by one of Jad's heros, Jascha Heifetz. (You can see left-hand pizzicato starting at 3:49 in this video.)
When he's not working on classical pieces, Jad likes to listen to and play traditional Eastern Mediterranean music from where he grew up in Syria.
Jad also improvises melodies on his violin, preferring songs by Lebanese singer Fairuz. Her music often recomposes famous classical compositions, which reminds Jad of mornings back home with his family, coffee brewing and music filling the air.
"I play music from my home country, traditional Eastern music — it brings me a lot of memories," says Jad. "There is a famous singer Fairuz from Lebanon. Most of her songs are inspired by famous classical composers like Mozart and Beethoven."
Hear today's full episode by clicking "Listen" above and if you know the answer to to today's riddle text the answer to 833.490.4718. By texting your answer, you agree to receive follow-up messages from IPR.
Christy L'Esperance is the host and producer of Intermezzo.
Thanks to our cohost Jad.
Scott Clemens is IPR's Digital Content Producer.
