Which term describes bowing two adjacent strings like tremolo?

Which term describes bowing two adjacent strings like tremolo?

• A. sul ponticello
• B. ondule
• C. sul tasto
• D. detache

Answer: (B)

When a tremolo-like effect is produced by bowing two adjacent strings, the technique described is ondule. This term conveys a rapid, undulating bowing between two strings, creating a shimmering, tremolo-like texture rather than a single sustained note. It’s about the bowing pattern across strings, not just tone color or a single-string stroke. The other terms describe different bowing contexts. Sul ponticello means playing near the bridge to get a bright, edgy tone, not about crossing strings. Sul tasto refers to playing over the fingerboard for a softer, more flute-like sound, again not about tremolo between strings. Detache is a clean, separated bow stroke, typically on one string, without the rapid alternation that characterizes tremolo across strings.

When a tremolo-like effect is produced by bowing two adjacent strings, the technique described is ondule. This term conveys a rapid, undulating bowing between two strings, creating a shimmering, tremolo-like texture rather than a single sustained note. It’s about the bowing pattern across strings, not just tone color or a single-string stroke.

The other terms describe different bowing contexts. Sul ponticello means playing near the bridge to get a bright, edgy tone, not about crossing strings. Sul tasto refers to playing over the fingerboard for a softer, more flute-like sound, again not about tremolo between strings. Detache is a clean, separated bow stroke, typically on one string, without the rapid alternation that characterizes tremolo across strings.