Ricochet

Ricochet (sometimes called jeté) is a string bowing technique where the bow is dropped onto the string from above, allowing it to bounce naturally and produce multiple notes in a single bow stroke. Each bounce produces a separate note; the rhythm of the bounces is largely controlled by the player but is partly dictated by the natural physics of the bow.

The technique is dramatic and virtuosic. It is most commonly used for fast, repeated-note passages — the down-bow ricochet pattern produces a rapid-fire effect that would be difficult or impossible with conventional bowing. Paganini popularized the technique; later virtuosos (Sarasate, Wieniawski, Heifetz) made it a standard of the showy violin repertoire.

Control is the challenge. The player must judge the height of the drop, the angle of the bow, and the contact point — all of which determine how many notes the bounce will produce and how evenly they will sound.

French, ‘rebound, bounce’, from ricocher (‘to bounce’). The French term is now standard internationally; Italian uses jeté.

Practice the drop slowly. Find the bow height and angle that produces the desired number of notes per bounce. Don’t force the bounce — the bow should rebound naturally.