Comments

another challenge confronting the 2nd violin is matching the tone,etc. of the first...the viola and cello are singletons.

Is that regularly as in regularly every piece, or regularly every bar? Because I'd really like to see the latter ;-)

I like 1st since I can pick up on the melody of songs and just virtualy go by ear.  I like 2nd since it gives body and holds the 1st up.  It takes much more listening for me and I have to focuss more to play what is written to avoid playing what I think is too be played.

royce

You should add viola as an option!

I agree with Karen. :)

I've played both parts equally, and while I like both, deep down I prefer 2nd violin. I like playing a more accompanimental role, and don't always enjoy the stress of being in the 'hot seat.' ;)

In an orchestra I absouletely prefer violin 1. In a quartet however, I enjoy providing the "personal" level of support and groundwork if you will (not to say orchestras are impersonal but I think you get what I'm saying).

One of the other difficulties besides what has been mentioned is when the Violin II has a segment of material that needs to be brought out of the otherwise accompanying texture, it's quite a challenge to voice it seamlessly with the other players.

That being said, I like playing both first and second violin

And in response to the viola option, when my quartet worked on Dvorak No. 12 "American" the chamber coach (a violinist) said, "I think I've performed all the parts of this except the cello."

Both. Why limit yourself? :-)

Each provides challenges unique to that part, and switching between them just makes you a better and more versatile player.

What a great question!

Mark

PartTimeMusician.com

"A day job is there to support a playing addiction"

Mark, I love your quote.  I wonder whether the Germans have a word for it.