I'm playing Massenet's "Meditation" from Thais in an informal concert at an old people's home on Saturday: I learned this years ago but have forgotten haow to play the last note (a harmonic) correctly - its printed as one of those diamond- shaped stopped harmonics on the 3rd finger 1st position D on the A string, but I can't remember whether that means

a) lightly stop the A string at this position, producing (? haven't got my violin here to check!)) a high A 2 octaves above the A string

stop the D with the 1st finger & put the 4th finger lightly down to get the high D harmonic

c) something else!

I suspect it's because that means the piece ends on the key-note, but I also have memories of struggling to find a clear tone wnen I last played this in public! - hopefully I've improved since!

Any advice gratefully received

Just touch the A string (as lightly as possible) in the position of a first position D, then play with a fast bow near to the bridge.

Dave

I've been playing (and teaching) Meditation lately and have had the exact same query! However, I think the above poster is right, and they're backed up by a recording I have of it, where the final note is A. Easier to play, too - it's very difficult for a learner to get a clear sound on that very high D.

Violinia

Many thanks - nice to know I can take the easier route... Hopefully the old people will appreciate my efforts anyway!