Segovia technique in Bach

An excellent video despite some sound distortion on the louder notes. Despite being in age, probably close to his 80's here, Segovia gives a masterful rendition of two movements from the Solo Violin/Lute Suite in E Major BWV1001. Great camera work on both hands.

Notice in his right hand:

  • Extremely relaxed right hand
  • Parallel/sympathetic movment in the faster passages
  • Contrast of tone between the voices
  • Control of the bass note lengths
  • Right hand pulls away from the strings as a consequence of sympathetic movement on the loudest chords
  • Dynamics
  • The variety of sounds he coaxes from the instrument!

    • Andre Segovia - his technique

    Andre Segovia - his technique

    Left Hand:

    • Left hand portamento
    • Left hand transversal vibrato (across the neck) with the 3rd finger whilst holding a chord

    Andre Segovia - his technique
    Left hand playing an E major chord

    Left hand: Segovia plays a Left hand transversal vibrato (across the neck) with the 3rd finger whilst holding a chord. Left hand: Segovia plays a Left hand transversal vibrato (across the neck) with the 3rd finger whilst holding a chord. Left hand: Segovia plays a Left hand transversal vibrato (across the neck) with the 3rd finger whilst holding a chord.
    Left hand: Segovia plays a Left hand transversal vibrato (across the neck) with the 3rd finger whilst holding a chord.