Article written by Fiona Vilnite
Carl Bohm (1844 – 1920) Perpetuo Mobile, No. 6 from Little Suite (Kleine Suite) for Violin and Piano – Practice Videos in 3 Different Speeds
First published in 1892, Carl Bohm’s “Perpetuo Mobile” (sometimes called “Perpetual motion” or “Moto Perpetuo”), No. 6 from the Little Suite (Kleine Suite), is a lively, intermediate-level composition with a memorable melody. It is ideal for concert recitals and has gained popularity through its inclusion in the Suzuki method (Book Four).
Why Learning Carl Bohm’s Perpetuo Mobile is Essential for Violinists
Bohm’s classic composition is not only enjoyable to play, but can also be learnt to help train important aspects of violin technique, including:
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- Precise string crossings with the bow
- Smooth and accurate shifting to different positions with the left hand
- Control and awarenes of dynamic contrasts
Developing a Sense of Ease
Importantly, “Perpetuo Mobile” can also be used to develop complete comfort in both the left hand and bowing arm. This is vital for building the “stamina” required to perform moto perpetuo-type compositions.
Practice tips
Approach your practice sessions with the goal of developing ease and reducing fatigue. Ask yourself, “How can I play this piece with less effort and more relaxation?”
To help you practice this piece, use these practice videos. There 3 videos in different speeds:
Slow Speed (♩ = 60):
Medium Speed (♩ = 85)
Faster Speed (♩ = 130)
Right Hand / Bowing
1) Playing along with the slow version of the video, try to pay close attention to string crossings: how far the right elbow and forearm needs to get to the required string.
2) Whilst playing on each string requires a correspoding level for the right elbow, remeber that sudden, fast movements are not preferable.
3) Try to make each movement smooth – and be ready for each string crossing by thinking ahead.
4) Experiment with starting the piece with the bow on or from the string. Remember to relax your right arm and shoulder. How does this help to create the required accent on the first note?
5) Try practising the slow version on the string with martele-type bowing, but in the middle of the bow to train playing into the string with accurate bow placement/lengths.
Ask yourself:
– What do I have to do with the bow to create dynamic contrasts?
– How does the amount of bow used and weight of bow arm differ when playing piano and forte? Experiment and take notes, writing it on your sheet music, if necessary
– How does the amount of bow and sound point used change the sound?
– What combination of bow speed, wieght, lenghts and use of sound points assist in creating crescendos and decrescndos?
Left Hand
1) Try only pressing the strings down as far as they need to go to create a good sound – pressing the string too heavily will impede agility.
2) Remember to adjust the left elbow (underneath the violin) when playing on different strings. How far to the right does your elbow need to be on the G string compared to its position under the violin when playing on the E string?
3) Practice shifting to different positions slowly, making a mental note of the feeling of position of the left hand, relevant finger and arm when the note(s) are perfectly comfortable and, most importantly, in tune.
4) Play along with the video(s) with the goal of creating absolute ease in the left hand. Make sure that you retain this feeling at different speeds.
5) Test yourself to see whether you can retain a sense of ease at many different tempos by playing along with the videos at many different speeds. Fee; free to speed up and slow down the video on YouTube using the video’s settings.
General aspects: practising with the videos
- Use the video to get to know the musical work. Listen to the recording with the violin part.
- Experiment by listening when doing other things, like tidying up. Does this change the way you play, think and/or practice in your next practice session(s)? If so, how?
- Test your memory – use the piano accompaniment in the video to play along with. How far can you play from memory? Are there areas that need repetition? Feel free to repeat specific areas of the video and play along again!
- If you have a strategy for memorisation try it in between each repetition of the video. What works really well in your memorisation strategy? What doesn’t work so well?
Happy Practising!
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