Trills on harp

[david humphreys]

perhaps we have to ask ourselves what the trill means to the composer—–is it a way to sustain a note or

[Saul Davis Zlatkovski]

Trills also create excitement, add dissonance, and help emphasize the main note. Thus, a two-handed trill is more exciting, and allows for changes of dynamic. In this case, as I recall, the left hand is already being played by the orchestra, so it can be omitted without consequence.

[Katherine Denler]

Oh my the thread is so long! I love it.

However, I would like to clarify what you mean by “strumming”, as in a braced slide? so, if you were doing a trill from d-e both those adjacent notes would be played by a braced 3 and then a braced 2 in rapid succession?

Also, Mel, please enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNFtRU_c2Ec

I think this is the same video you have been talking about! I loved seeing this, she is so gracious!

[carl-swanson]

In the example you state, a trill on D and E, you would place your thumb on F and then slide your third finger over D and pluck E, followed by sliding your 2nd finger over D and then plucking E, etc. It feels incredibly awkward at first and I haven’t practiced it enough to be able to do it. But Xavier did it at my harp in my living room with me sitting 3 feet from him, and it was even, clear, and fast. I would never have known that he was executing it that way if I hadn’t seen it.

[diana-grubisic]

Thank you, Katherina, for the youtube video of Mildred Dilling. I like the way of her playing .

[Author]

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