Ask Augustin 14 - Harmonics Tips

It's time to talk about natural and artificial harmonics! I like integrating natural harmonics into passagework to increase clarity. It is very common for cellists to do this, but for some reason is less common among violinists - but just as useful! I love playing fifth harmonics instead of fourth-harmonics during artificial harmonic passages, since fifths sound louder, more pure and speak much more easily. In other words, they are more of a stretch for the left hand, but much more dependable and easier to hear, especially when playing with orchestra. In this section of the recently posted video of the Sibelius concerto from last year, you can also see me play fifth harmonics:    • #AcervoOsesp Jean Sibelius | Concerto para...   (right afterwards is an example of sliding into natural harmonics too)