Martelé (bowstroke)
Martelé (French pronunciation: [maʁt(ə)le]; literally meaning "hammered")[1][2] is a percussive bow stroke used when playing bowed string instruments, though the Italian martellando and martellato are also applied to piano and vocal technique, and even (by Franz Liszt) to the organ.[3] The effect is usually produced by holding the bow against the string with pressure, then releasing it explosively to produce a sharp, biting attack with a rest between strokes.[1]
History
Bows made in the 18th century and earlier, due to their lack of a ferrule, were unable to support the pressure needed to perform the martelé stroke. It wasn't until François Tourte made changes to the bow between 1785 and 1790, including the addition of a ferrule, that the bow was suited for supporting that kind of pressure.[1][4]
Typically, martelé is notated with triangular wedged accents, but throughout history they have been notated with combinations of staccato markings and accents, as well as implied through indications of sforzando markings.[1][5]
Technique
Martelé is a form of
Due to the pause and need for preparation between strokes, martelé is unable to be performed on passages of exceptional speed.[1][5]
See also
References
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- ^ a b c "How to Master Martele". Strings Magazine. 2016-02-07. Retrieved 2021-03-17.
- OCLC 603759.