de Beriot Concerto No. 9

May 15, 2012 at 8:49 PM

This is one of the pieces my teacher assigned me for next semester. I really like it, but it sounds super hard. Has anyone ever played it? Is it as hard as it looks/sounds?

From Michael Pijoan
Posted on May 16, 2012 at 6:16 AM

I remember playing that. Don't worry, it looks and sounds impressive but it fits very nicely in the hand. Just make sure to practice carefully with a relaxed left hand and approach each technical situation logically. You'll have a good time.

From elise stanley
Posted on May 17, 2012 at 12:29 AM

It sounds rather similar (actually some bits are almost identical) to 'Scene de Ballet' - which is definitely easier and might be a good entre into his style (maybe you've already done it?). I found with that it was a lot grander sounding (and looking on the plate) than it was really for playing. A real feel-good piece. [If you want a contrast try something by Brahms who, from my limited experience, I think hated anything easy on the fiddle... :) ]

Surely de Beriot played the violin himself? He certainly seems to write directly to its strengths.

From Paul Deck
Posted on May 18, 2012 at 12:28 PM

The deBeriot is one of those pieces from the violin repertoire that is "intentionally hard." The whole point is to showcase the skills of the advanced student. In my opinion it's not great literature but it has its moments.

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