Ask Augustin 16 - Spiccato 2 and staccato tips

In this installment I continue talking more about spiccato and (by popular demand) some tips on upbow staccato! Rather than thinking in strict categories of different bowstrokes (spiccato vs sautillé vs detaché etc), it can be helpful to think of these categories as part of a continuum, with countless different combinations of the different factors (on the string and off, where to play on the bow, how much to angle the bow, how much to use the wrist vs. the arm) and to practice transitioning between them. Honestly I also find some of the terms a bit confusing, since they mix French and Italian terms, and not everybody means the same thing by them.
In my mind I call upbow staccato "picchettato", its Italian name! ("staccato" is Italian too, but originally just means separate, the opposite of legato - did I mention the names of bowstrokes get a bit confusing?) And picchettato is fun to say!
This is a cool technique that pops up often in showpieces, but is rarely used in the core repertoire of concertos and sonatas - so I would not prioritize working on it at the expense of other aspects of your bow-technique that are more essential. Staccato seems impossible at first but becomes much easier with practice and experimentation - almost like a reflex, an automated motion. There are different ways to do it, and so it requires some experimentation to find the way that works for you.

Видео Ask Augustin 16 - Spiccato 2 and staccato tips канала Augustin Hadelich