Welcome to "Intermezzo" — where we take a few minutes to bounce some ideas around about classical music.
All week, Interlochen violinist Jad Ibrahim has been demonstrating violin sounds and techniques like vibrato, double stops and the difference between right-hand and left-hand pizzicato.
Today Jad explains a dazzling techique called "upbow staccato." Quick wrist movements help you perform staccato, making the violin sound percussive and "crispy," says Jad. "There are small breaks between the notes."
When he was first starting to learn the violin, Jad would watch videos of Jascha Heifetz playing Grigoraș Dinicu 's "Hora Staccato," with effortless staccato notes.
At Interlochen Center for the Arts, Jad feels at home studying with faculty member Tina Qu. In fact, he's planning to continue his studies next year by enrolling in Interlochen's postgraduate program.
"In Syria, I didn't play with orchestral ensembles before I came here. Interlochen can give me more experience and preparation," says Jad.
Web bonus:
These black-and-white photographs show legendary violinist Jascha Heifetz mid-performance with a small light attached to his bow. Heifetz is Jad's favorite violinist, a source of artistic and technical inspiration.
Violinist Jascha Heifetz playing with a light attached to his bow to follow his movements. (Photographs from 1952 by Gjon Mill for Life Magazine, New York)
Friday shout-outs!
Congratulations to Ivy from Traverse City, Julie, and Willow from Canadian Lakes. Nice job!
Hear today's full episode with shout-outs by clicking "Listen" above. For more, visit our Instagram page @classicalipr to see Jad in action playing all these music techniques on his violin!
Christy L'Esperance is the host and producer of Intermezzo.
Thanks to our cohost Jad.
Scott Clemens is IPR's Digital Content Producer.
