Hi everyone, Joel Kennedy here from Kennedy Violins. In this post, we’re diving into a special play-along session featuring excerpts from the works of Leonard Bernstein. With Bernstein’s birthday (August 25th) just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to explore the energy, playfulness, and joy that defines his music.

I’ve picked three excerpts for this session: America and Maria from West Side Story, and the theme from Candide. These pieces vary in difficulty, making them ideal for violinists of all levels. We’ll start with the easier ones and gradually progress in complexity. Along the way, I’ll share some practical tips for approaching new music, paying attention to key signatures, rhythms, and articulations.

You can download them here.

1. Starting Simple: "America" from West Side Story

The first piece is America, a lively tune that’s both rhythmic and expressive. When approaching any new piece, especially an energetic one like this, it’s essential to start slow. Always practice with a metronome to ensure accuracy, gradually increasing the tempo as you become more comfortable. The key signature for America is C major—no sharps or flats—so every finger position is in its natural place on the violin. However, watch out for accidentals that change the natural positions.

For example, on the second line of the excerpt, you’ll encounter a B-flat. This requires a low first finger on the A string. A good rule of thumb is to ensure your low first finger touches the nut (the end of your fingerboard), providing a consistent reference point.

Another accidental to be aware of is the E-flat, which involves playing a low fourth finger. To execute this properly, aim to have your fourth finger touch your third finger when playing E-flat. This ensures good intonation and keeps your playing in tune.

When you reach the end of America, there’s a strong, brash ending with a double accent. To make this ending punchy and emphatic, opt for an open E string instead of a fourth finger. The open E delivers a brighter and more forceful sound, ideal for driving the energy of this piece home.

2. Mastering Articulation and Dynamics

Understanding how to articulate notes is key to capturing Bernstein’s style. In the first measure of America, there are dots above the notes, indicating a short, staccato articulation. Be mindful that these dots are above or below the notes, not to the side, which would change the note's duration rather than its style.

As you move into the second measure, you’ll see legato lines under the notes. These lines indicate that the notes should be played smoothly and connected. When practicing, focus on controlling your bow speed and pressure to maintain a consistent legato sound, even as the tempo increases.

Another aspect to consider is dynamic control. In America, there’s a crescendo in the second line, signaling a gradual increase in volume. Planning your bow usage is essential for achieving smooth dynamics. Start with moderate bow pressure and save some energy for the crescendo, allowing the phrase to naturally build in intensity.

3. The Theme from Candide: Navigating Cut Time

The second excerpt is from Bernstein’s Candide, a classic piece often recognized for its upbeat and catchy theme. This piece is in cut time (2/2), meaning the half note gets the beat instead of the quarter note. This shift in timing can be tricky, especially for those unfamiliar with cut time.

To get comfortable, set your metronome to a slower tempo (around 60-80 BPM) and focus on treating each half note as a beat. In cut time, a whole note spans only two beats, and a quarter note gets half a beat. This rhythm can take some adjustment, but once you’ve internalized the timing, the piece flows smoothly.

The key signature for this piece introduces three flats—B-flat, E-flat, and A-flat—placing your fingers in non-standard positions. On the A string, the first finger will be low for B-flat, and the fourth finger will be low for E-flat. However, keep an eye out for natural accidentals, such as A-natural, which will occasionally override the key signature.

4. Perfecting the Rhythm in "Maria" from West Side Story

The final and most challenging piece is Maria, another iconic tune from West Side Story. The complexity here lies in the rhythm, which is also marked in cut time. However, a useful practice technique is to first learn the rhythm in 4/4 time, doubling the beat to make counting easier. By subdividing the beat, you can more accurately capture the rhythmic nuances before transitioning back to cut time.

One rhythmic feature to watch for is the quarter note triplets, which can be tricky to play evenly. Typically, we see triplets as eighth notes (triplet, triplet), but here, they’re quarter notes, which requires a different feel while maintaining the flow of the piece.

In addition to the rhythm, pay close attention to the dynamic markings. The piece begins at a mezzo-forte, but later builds to a double forte, requiring a significant increase in bow speed and pressure. As you reach the climax, plan your bowing so you can sustain the intensity before dropping to a delicate double-piano at the end. The final section requires precision at the tip of the bow, where you can maintain a soft, controlled sound without running out of bow.

5. Key Takeaways: Planning for Success

When learning any new piece, always start by analyzing the key signature, time signature, and dynamics. This preparation gives you a roadmap for approaching the music effectively. Here’s a quick summary of key points to remember:

• Start Slow: Always practice with a metronome, gradually increasing speed as you get comfortable.
• Finger Positions and Accidentals: Keep your fingers close to the fingerboard markers (like the nut or adjacent fingers) for better intonation, especially when dealing with accidentals.
• Articulation and Dynamics: Pay attention to staccato, legato, and crescendos to bring out the character of the piece.
• Rhythmic Subdivisions: When in doubt, subdivide the beat to understand complex rhythms.
• Bow Planning: Control your bow strokes to match the dynamics and articulation, ensuring that you never run out of bow, especially in expressive passages.

Conclusion

Bernstein’s music is a joy to play, filled with character and energy. Whether you’re playing the rhythmic vitality of America, the flowing lines of Candide, or the rich expression of Maria, the key to success lies in careful practice and thoughtful preparation. By focusing on these techniques, you’ll be well-equipped to master these pieces and bring Bernstein’s brilliant compositions to life.

I hope you found this breakdown helpful. If you have any questions or want to see more content like this, drop a comment on our YouTube video or contact us directly. Happy practicing!