Where it comes from
Perpetual motion is the classic study in continuous fast bowing; the Suzuki setting marks crotchet equals 120.
Perpetual Motion
A major · 4/4 · 16 bars
Score
- Level
- Intermediate
- Key
- A major · F♯ C♯ G♯
- Time
- 4/4
- Bars
- 16
- Range
- A4 – A5
- Fingering
- not marked
How to practise this piece
Take it at 96 BPM first, then move up to 120 once the notes sit under your fingers.
What this piece trains
Even continuous bowing: identical notes from beginning to end, at a constant speed.
Where it usually goes wrong
It starts calmly and accelerates into the ending; the tone thins as the bow nears the tip.
Does it need shifting?
Range A4–A5; the top notes go beyond comfortable first position, so expect shifting or an extension.
Practice steps
- Play the whole piece at 80 with the metronome and forbid any rushing.
- Raise the tempo ten at a time until 120 is stable.