Scales -- Scales and Scale Studies for the Viola (Edition Peters)

This is a scale book of unprecedented scope. Simon Fischer has developed an entirely new method in which, using the traditional ways of practising scales only as a point of departure, he focuses on numerous often-neglected aspects of the violist s technique. For every element he has designed exercises that sensitize the ear, stimulate the mind and build the playing apparatus of the violist. The many outstanding features of this book include:

• how to structure intonation around perfect intervals and leading notes
• a new approach to learning how to time shifts
• extensive notation for preparing and holding down fingers
• one-, two-, three- and four-octave scales and arpeggios
• two-octave scales and arpeggios on one string
• new sequences for single-finger scales

Many well-known Fischer classics are also incorporated, including practice methods for intonation, smooth bowing, string crossing, fast fingers, fourth-finger extensions and placing fingers in blocks. The innovative and wide-ranging material in Scales keeps the player turning the pages, discovering yet more exciting ways to approach scales. The wealth of thought-provoking exercises encourages violists to re-evaluate their practice developing the playing skills of violists at all levels from intermediate to professional.