Col legno

Col legno is a string instrument technique wherein the player strikes the strings with the wood (back) part of the bow, rather than by drawing the hair of the bow across the strings. This technique produces a distinctive percussive sound that is markedly different from the normal bowed sound. It is used in various musical genres but is most commonly found in orchestral and chamber music to add unique effects and textures.

Technique

In performing col legno, the player turns the bow upside down and lightly taps the strings with the stick part of the bow. There are two primary types of col legno techniques: col legno battuto, where the string is struck, and col legno tratto, where the wood is dragged across the string, producing a ghostly sound. Col legno battuto is more common and is noted for its rhythmic percussive effect, while col legno tratto is rarer and requires a delicate touch to produce a consistent sound.

History

The use of col legno dates back to the Baroque period, with one of the earliest notated examples found in the music of Claudio Monteverdi. Throughout the centuries, composers like Ludwig van Beethoven, Gustav Mahler, and Igor Stravinsky have employed this technique to achieve dramatic effects in their compositions. In modern times, col legno has been embraced by contemporary composers and is also used in experimental and avant-garde music to explore new soundscapes.

Notable Compositions

• Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 features col legno in the scherzo movement.
• Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 6 utilizes col legno for dramatic effect in the Andante movement.
• Igor Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring includes passages where the strings play col legno to add to the primitive and percussive character of the music.

Considerations

When performing col legno, musicians must be careful not to damage the bow. The technique requires a light touch, especially with expensive bows. Some players use older or less valuable bows when the score calls for extensive use of col legno.

In Popular Culture

Col legno has also found its way into film scores and video game music, where its unique sound texture contributes to the atmosphere and emotional depth of the medium.

See Also

• String techniques
• Extended technique
• Pizzicato
• Bow (music)