This reference explains the content, purpose, techniques, and practice strategies associated with Simon Fischer’s work on double stops for violin/viola (commonly found in his Etudes and Technique books). It assumes you’re using Fischer-style exercises or an arrangement explicitly titled “Double Stops” and gives practical, technical, and musical guidance for effective study.
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Simon Fischer’s Double Stops (346 pages, published by Fitzroy Music Press simon fischer double stops pdf
) is an extensive pedagogical work designed to master the technical elements of scales one facet at a time. Rather than just providing a list of fingerings, the book uses structured exercises to "build" the complete scale, improving intonation, tone, and ease of play. simon fischer online Core Principles of Double Stop Technique
Fischer emphasizes that double stops are not just about "playing more notes," but about balancing physical weight and tension: Left Hand Lightness
: A common pitfall is reacting to the extra bow weight needed for double stops by pressing harder with the left hand. Fischer stresses that the finger pressure required to stop a string remains the same whether playing one note or four; excessive pressing leads to left-hand tension. Bow Weight Distribution Here are legal ways to obtain a digital
: To achieve the same volume in a double stop as a single stop, you must use twice the bow weight because the force is divided between two strings. Intonation "Anchors"
: Fischer recommends using open strings (C, G, D, A) as "architectural frames" for tuning. Notes corresponding to these naturals are "non-negotiable," and other notes should be fitted around them based on the desired tuning system (e.g., pure 3rds and 6ths vs. Pythagorean 4ths and 5ths). simon fischer online Essential Exercises & Practice Methods Double Stops - Simon Fischer
Unlike traditional scales, Fischer’s double-stop scales are broken into tiny, repeatable cells. He advocates for the "stop-and-go" method: play two notes, stop, check intonation, then proceed. The PDF versions of this book are particularly useful here because students can print the pages and write fingering reminders directly on the music. However, this last point leads us to a critical conversation
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However, this last point leads us to a critical conversation.