Fingers Extension on the Cello and Methods to Benefit from them on the Oud

Abstract

Abstract

This research aims to identify the finger extension technique and its types on the cello, and how to elicit technical exercises for the Oud through cello exercises. The importance of this research lies in its contribution to overcoming some technical difficulties of the modern school of Oud playing. Furthermore it supplies the Arabic music library with researches and new ideas that could contribute to improving the performing style of the Oud. This research followed the descriptive (content analysis) approach. The theoretical framework of the research dealt with a brief description of the cello, the finger extension technique on the cello and Oud, types of extensions, and some general notes that should be considered during executing the extension. The practical framework of the research addressed some extension etudes that were composed for the cello and some inspired etudes that benefit the Oud, composed by the researchers. The most important results of this research were: revealing that there are two types of extension, forward extension and backward extension, and suggesting some inspired exercises for the Oud from some cello exercises, in addition to noting the fact that the extension technique, which is considered a basic skill for playing the cello, requires high skill.