What do college violinists study?
I am a sophmore college student, and I am wondering what pieces I will probably be studying the next three years. I know it will be my teachers determination, but was wondering if you all have any thoughts. Besides "student pieces", I have learned: Bach A min concerto, Bach Dmin partita (4 mvts), Bach E maj (3 mvts), Viotti 22, Wieniawski 2, Kreutzer, Paganini Caprice 5. I have worked from: Dont, and I am finishing up the Bruch Concerto and Mozart G concerto. I obviously have not played these pieces perfect, but people seem to think I play them solidly. Will I be doing the Beethoven or Sibelius my Senior year or will I have to do all the Haydn concertos, all the Mozart Concertos, Saint Saens, Mendelsohnn, Barber, Scottish Fantasy, Konos, Viuxetemps (spelling?), etc. Thanks!
Replies (4)
I used Beethoven for my undergrad auditions. I wonder what the judges were thinking. Likely one of 2 things:
1. "Hmmm, a daring choice! He's got courage and confidence...good for him!"
2. "WHAT IS HE THINKING?!"
I was sucessful in all that auditions because they were likely giving me the benefit of the doubt with #1. Little did they know they should have gone with #2! HAHA!
Preston
P.S. Regarding Beethoven: Note-wise it is not a "Doctorate" level piece...musically it's a lifetime of work.
I'm not sure exactly what you'll be studying, but here is what I have worked on thus far (I'm a junior now, and definitely plan on going for a Master's before I start taking auditions):
Corelli/Kreisler La folia
Khachaturian
Mozart A Major
Bach G Minor
Lalo (this year)
Kreutzer, Gavinies etudes
Plus the stuff I worked on in high school (Bruch, Viotti A minor, Bach E Major Partita, Beethoven "Spring".... the typical high school repertoire blah blah)
I'm not sure what else I am going to be working on. I think Prokofiev solo sonata, orchestral excerpts, hopefully another Mozart concerto, and hopefully a romantic one, too, before I head off to grad school.
Depends on your teacher - I spent first term relearning scales, working on straightening my bow, relaxing my vibrato, intonation, and basically learning how to practice efficiently. I spent lots of As a result pieces-wise all I studied was Bach Gminor presto, Mozart Gmajor 1st mvt, Prokofiev 5 pieces and Dvorak Romance. This year I'm starting with Intro&Rondo Cappriccioso, Suk 4 pieces (i'm only doing 1+4 though), and a paganini caprice as a study instead of Kreuzters.
violinmasterclass.com lists 'levels' of ability and corresponding repertoire - i found it quite useful for suggestions of pieces to learn.
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August 27, 2005 at 07:48 AM · I asked about doing Beethoven concerto once, but was assured it was more a "doctorate" level piece, so I am not sure you will play that. But my teacher didn't let us play concertos unless we were capable of playing the entire thing.
I think any major romantic concerto would be in line...Mendelssohn or Sibelius or Bruch 2 (that is a fun one). It is different for every person depending upon your skill level and your plans after college. If you plan to audition for orchestras right away, you may focus on 'Don Juan' and other excerpts in addition to keeping a Mozart concerto in top form.