Long answer: On oud as with any other string instrument with a fingerboard, when going to a lower note on the same string of course the finger needs
to be lifted to gain access to the lower pitch. When going to a higher note on the same string the finger should remain if its pitch is going to be
played soon after. If it is not going to be played again soon the finger may be lifted but it can also remain if it does not cause a strain on the
hand. If the index plays the first note and the next 7 notes are all played by the 4th and 3rd finger it might be more comfortable to lift the index.
After all, it is not needed. One thing for sure: once a higher note is played on the same string the pitch of the first note will no longer be heard.
When playing the next note on another string, either a higher pitched or lower pitched string, we have a different situation. If the finger of the
first note remains in place the note will sustain longer than if we lift it. This can cause a pleasant consonance or harmony with the next pitch
played or it can cause a dissonance. The choice depends on the desired effect. Sometimes note 1 continuing to ring can cause "mud", sometimes beauty,
sometimes Beautiful Mud. If the first note is going to be needed again right away, then leaving the finger down is a good idea.
Short answer: don't lift a finger for no reason. Don't leave a finger down for no reason. Do what is needed. Avoid creating obstacles.
Answer in relation to the video: this fingering makes sense. There are other options. At the end one might lay down the middle and index together,
strike C, lift the middle which makes B available, lift the index and make A available.
In the descent The third finger playing f sharp at the end of b-a-g-f# could be left down for the next phrase (a g f# e) since it will be needed soon.
At higher speed I would do that. It's a reflex. But it's ok to lift it at slower speed especially if one wants to avoid the discord of f# and g. I
like it. And then it gets resolved when the *a* is sounded.
Answer in relation to the body: if it hurts it might be wrong. If it helps, especially at faster speed, it's probably right. If it damages the body it
is definitely wrong.
Back to the video: you are lifting the risha and the right hand more than necessary on your up-strokes. At this speed it matters less. At faster
speeds it might be inefficient to lift it so far away from the string.
Summary: there are three factors to consider in relation to lifting a finger or leaving it in place. They are *sound*, *efficiency* which includes
economy of motion, and *comfort*. Comfort includes pain avoidance and avoiding damaging the body.
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It always feels quite awkward and uncomfortable somehow.
