Bariolage

The bariolage string instrument technique means a quick change between a constant note and changing notes that form a melody either above or below the constant note. This technique is often used in baroque music, where the fixed note is usually an open string. The aim of this is to achieve a maximum of resonance in the instrument.

The lower section, written for violin, contains bariolage in the second bar. In this example, an A (open string on the violin) is used as a constant note and an F and E as changing notes.

A music excerpt with an example of bariolage.

A well-known example of bariolage is Bach's Prelude to the E major Partita for solo violin , which even involves three strings (one open string and two fingered strings). Other examples are the third movement of Summer from the Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi or the prelude to Bach's first cello suite , in which bariolage also appears in part.

Bariolage can also mean that the same note, usually an open string, is played on the next lower string. Joseph Haydn used this effect in the minuet of his 28th symphony and also in the finale of his string quartet op.50 no.6 . The quick change between the open string and the fingered note with the same pitch but a different tone color gives the quartet its nickname "The Frog".