Orchestral Excerpts

July 11, 2012 at 02:14 PM · Beethoven 3

Brahms 1 & 3

Elgar Enigma Variatons ( usually second variation i think)

Mendelssohn Scherzo from midsummer nights dream

Mozart 35 & 39

Prokofiev Classical Symphony

Schumann Scherzo ( Symphony No. 2)

Strauss Don Juan

These are only a few. There are several excerpts and usually depend on the position you're auditioning for. For example, if you're auditioning for assistant concertmaster or similar you might consider the standard solos like Capriccio Espagnole or Scheharazade (sp?)

You will also need a concerto. Depending on the orchestra (and position) you will either be required to play either Mozart 3 4 or 5 OR a big romantic concerto. Ex: Tchaik, Brahms, Beethoven, Sibelius. Mendelssohn sometimes depending on the orchestra I think. A friend of mine won an Ass. CM job and they told her she won it because of her concerto. Then you have concertos like Bruch Prokofiev 1 and 2 and the Bartoks. These are sometimes iffy so have a lesson with someone in the orchestra. Sometimes they may ask for both with piano accomp. Again, depends on the orchestra.

Try and look at the websites of orchestras in your area. This is the time auditions are usually announcing vacancies. They will usually have they an excerpt list available.

July 11, 2012 at 02:49 PM · You can find the audition requirements for the Detroit Symphony Here... http://www.dso.org/page.aspx?page_id=48

That is a good list

July 11, 2012 at 04:23 PM · Thanks, all. You've been a big help!

July 11, 2012 at 06:25 PM · At http://www.americanorchestras.org/publications/index.html you can get the following from the American Orchestra league:

Facing the Maestro

This revealing survey of audition repertoire is your guide to the musical excerpts that leading American music directors use to select the finest musicians. It features more than 300 orchestral works categorized by instrument, frequency of request, and composer.

July 11, 2012 at 09:18 PM · I would recommend not learning excerpts. You will need to know the ENTIRE piece, not just a few lines, so make sure you learn the complete work. Learn all of Don Juan, learn all of Beethoven 9, learn all of Schumann 2. It will help give you a better overall feel for the piece, which may help with the individual excerpt.

July 12, 2012 at 08:52 PM · @Marty: Thanks for the advice. I will do that.

July 12, 2012 at 10:30 PM · I'd say Brahms 2 and 4 too.

July 12, 2012 at 11:45 PM · Jerry has a great list, but I'd like to add a few more that I've seen:

Shostakovich 5

Debussy "la Mer"

Tchaikovsky: Overture to "Nutcracker"

Mahler 1 & 5

Beethoven 9

Mozart: overture to "figaro"

Bruckner 9 (2nd violin usually)

July 13, 2012 at 03:04 AM · Marty - Thanks for adding those. I knew they were used for auditions but usually local regional orchestras use the standard list that I gave. However, Le Mer and Bruckner 9 are on a list for an orchestra im thinking of auditioning for in september. Who knows if I will having never played either of those.

One orchestra here in ohio doesn't usually ask for anything standard. Last year it was a concerto ( the standards) and 4 sections from Tchaik 5 and something else i've never seen on lists before. After Cleveland, they're the next best. Maybe they're looking to be different.

July 13, 2012 at 11:21 PM · Jerry,

What orchestra are you thinking about auditioning for?

July 14, 2012 at 02:19 AM · Marty,

Youngstown, Akron and Canton Symphonies. (Canton is the odd one - but the best of them all) Erie Philharmonic is one im thinking of doing that might have La Mer and Bruckner 9 on the list. They were last year.

-jay

July 24, 2012 at 04:48 PM · Hi Michael,

I have a TON of information regarding orchestral excerpts, since my research is in orchestral studies. I have an entire document listing the orchestra audition and the excerpts/solos required at the audition. I haven't consolidated the excerpts from audition to audition, but I can send you the document (it's a word doc). It's too large to put here. It also contains info such as salary, benefits if there are any, etc...I know that's not what your interested in per say but that has also been part of my research.

I have audition info from over 20 different orchestras.

I also agree with Marty's comment--learn the whole piece. Everything everyone else said is good too. I'd be happy to also help and provide a comprehensive list. If you'd rather not bother with a huge document, you can always go to www.musicalchairs.info, click on jobs for violin, and auditions will be listed. Most have a link attached to the listed audition, and there you can find out what is being asked in the audition. OR...you can also get the international excerpt books (you can find them at Shar). The editions aren't bad (in my humble opinion), but the point is that these are a good starting place.

All the best! Let me know if you want me to send you the doc.

July 25, 2012 at 01:53 AM · Rebecca do mind sending my that doc also.(feel like such a squatter) I am starting to collect information for college and that would be really useful for me. Thanks :).

Michael- three excerpts I know of that might be help are : Mendelssohns Midsummer Night's Dream Scherzo (up to E)

Mozart Symphony no.39 fourth movement (mm1-104)

Strauss Don Juan (1st page)

July 25, 2012 at 03:31 PM · Nairobi,

Of course, you are most welcome to my research! :) Anyone is, so no one be afraid to ask! I am happy to help my colleagues :).

January 4, 2016 at 12:53 AM · Hi, Rebecca

I have just read your messages and I would like get your orchestral excerpts information. I'm doing an studies' ending work about the "life" in a professional orchestra and I'm interested in your research. Could you send me your information please? It would be a big help! :)