Influence of string register locations on vibratos among violoncellists

Abstract

This study analyzes how vibrato changes with finger position along the cello string. Examining 94 excerpts, we found moving the finger toward the bridge strongly increases acoustic vibrato depth ($\rho=0.6902$, $p=1.408\cdot 10^{-14}$). However, the performer's physical finger amplitude simultaneously decreases ($\rho=-0.6391$, $p=4.172\cdot 10^{-12}$). This shows players reduce finger motion in higher positions, but not enough to counteract the greater pitch deviation there, revealing both the presence and limits of compensatory vibrato behavior.