Examples:
[No. 20.] Sadko 260.—A persistent forte figure, severe in character.
[No. 21.] Legend of Kitesh 240.—A pianissimo phrase, sinister and horrible in character.
Stringed instruments doubling in octaves.
a) Vns I and Vns II in octaves.
This is a very common process used for all kinds of melodic figures, in particular those in the very high register. It has already been stated that the E string diminishes in fulness of tone the higher it ascends from the limits of the soprano voice. Moreover, melodic figures in the very high register of the violins become too isolated from the rest of the ensemble unless doubled in octaves. Such doubling secures expression, fulness of tone and firmness of timbre. The reader will find numerous examples of violins in octaves; a few are added below, chiefly broad and expressive phrases.
Examples:
[No. 22.] The Tsar's Bride 166. Cantabile, piano.
The Tsar's Bride 206. Cantabile, mezzo-piano; the lower part is in unison with the soprano voice.
Shéhérazade, 3rd movement J. Cantabile in G major; dolce and cantabile (the same as [Ex. 12]).