No. 22.

The twenty-second étude is one of the most beautiful adagio studies in violin literature. It is particularly useful to those who are studying the Bach Sonatas and the Spohr Duos. There is no need of playing the first note timidly. One should be able to think A, because of the knowledge of absolute pitch. The position of the note is naturally difficult. The thumb must lie well under the violin neck, in order that the passage on the A string may be played with ease. Do not pull the A string from side to side in the higher positions. This causes false intonation. In the fourth measure use the third position, then change to second position. As to the length of bow required, the volume of notes and number on one bow govern the length, but a uniformly broad style is advocated. One serious difficulty in the étude is the command of the crescendo and diminuendo. Practice the three octave scales, single whole bow slowly, making a crescendo four times. Use the vibrato freely. Concerning high notes, play without pressure upon the bow-stick, as the tone of a short string cannot be forced. It is of the utmost importance that one should play with correct intonation. The high notes are not as strong in tone as the low notes, owing to the difference in length and vibratory quality of the strings.

We will now turn to the sixth position. The first note must not be forced. The use of the same finger for position implies the portamento. A smooth flowing legato passage is naturally to be played with a longer bow. Sudden leaps from the G string to the E must be made with a high arm and flexible wrist.

Play the bowings as marked. You will observe slurred notes in varied groups. The three notes must be played with a long bow and in as perfect proportion as the longer passage. The power to use the bow wisely is difficult to acquire. Note the passages in the seventh, eighth, and ninth positions. It is absolutely necessary that students be free in the higher positions. Different editions vary concerning the fingering in the last line. The bowing is usually uniform. The difficulty of the étude naturally makes it one of the best of its type, for the difficulties are legitimate ones, which naturally occur in the great concertos: