I wound up sticking with violin because it was the strongest current in my life.
Hilary Hahn, American violinist
Mastering the violin takes time, and once you've begun getting comfortable with the basic violin pieces, you'll need to start challenging yourself with more technical pieces. Here, we've gathered 20 intermediate violin solos (from three different genres, and a few surprises) that every aspiring violinist should look at learning.
Classical Violin Solos
- Structure and precision
- Elegant phrasing
- Technical mastery
Romantic Era Violin Solos
- Emotional expression
- Lyrical melodies
- Dramatic dynamics
Contemporary & Modern Violin Solos
- Minimalist and experimental
- Rhythmic complexity
- Innovative techniques
Classical Violin Solos for Intermediate Players
Classical violin solos intermediate players add pieces to their repertoire according to their level and ability. These beautiful pieces from composers like Bach, Vivaldi, and Mozart are timeless works that challenge and inspire any violinist.
Whether it's Bach's Partita No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004 (Sarabande), or Rieding's Violin Concerto in B Minor, Op. 35, these pieces can build a violinist's confidence while working on the fundamental techniques that any intermediate violinist should be familiar with.
Bach - Partita No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004 (Sarabande)
This is a beautifully expressive piece from Bach's Partita No. 2. The Sarabande is a slow, reflective dance with a lot of tone control and phrasing.
Its simple structure allows violinists to focus on intonation and smooth bowing, which can help you develop a more refined sound.
Check out this wonderful rendition.
Vivaldi - Winter (Largo) from The Four Seasons
This is one of Vivaldi's most iconic works. This beautiful, lyrical movement allows the violin's expressive qualities to shine through.
The long, flowing lines and measured tempo of this piece are great ways for students to focus on maintaining a steady vibrato and work on smooth string crossings.
Mozart - Adagio in E Major, K. 261
Mozart's Adagio in E Major focuses on fluidity and control. The delicate phrasing allows intermediate players to work on maintaining clarity and smooth transitions.
It's a great piece to work on refining expressive bowing techniques.
Beethoven - Romance No. 2 in F Major, Op. 50
An elegant and lyrical violin piece with sweeping melodies that require expressive bow control and dynamic variation.
Any intermediate violinist should look to add this staple to their repertoire.
Haydn - Violin Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Hob. VIIa/1 (Adagio)
This melodic piece is great for violinists exploring legato bowing and expressive dynamics. The slower tempo is great for practicing intonation and finger precision.
Romantic Era Violin Solos to Master
The Romantic Era was full of expressive and dramatic music for the violin repertoire. This was when composers focused on powerful dynamics, lyrical melodies, and emotional storytelling.
Every intermediate violinist should look to the Romantic violin solos for their bowing techniques, string crossings, and vibrato. There are many beautiful and challenging pieces for violinists to explore the emotional depth of their instrument, with sweeping melodies for building confidence and fluidity.
Mendelssohn - Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64 (Second Movement)
This movement from Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto is popular with violinists for its flowing melodies.
To express emotion and musicality with each note, you'll need a smooth bowing technique and a deep understanding of phrasing.
Bruch - Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 26 (Adagio)
Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1 is full of harmonies and sweeping melodies, allowing intermediate violinists to explore it while working on their vibrato and bow control.
It's truly one of the most beautiful adagios in violin literature.
Saint-Saëns - Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28
This is a technically demanding piece. It starts with a dramatic introduction before transitioning into a lovely rondo where you can showcase lyrical expression and bowing techniques.
This is an excellent piece for intermediate players looking for ways to work on and improve their technical skills.
Wieniawski - Légende, Op. 17
This beautifully melancholic solo allows violinists to exhibit expressive phrasing and dynamic control.
Its haunting melody has subtle nuances that can be used to work on advancing bow techniques and emotional expression.
Massenet - Meditation from Thaïs
This classic encore piece has a beautiful melody and lush harmonies. As a romantic solo, it's excellent for legato playing, controlled vibrato, and expressive dynamics, making it a staple in any violinist's repertoire.
Contemporary and Modern Violin Solos
You can explore contemporary and modern violin solos to push the boundaries of the traditional playing styles you may have already learned. With their unique phrasing, minimalist structure, and emotive storytelling, violinists have an opportunity to explore new sounds and expressive techniques.
Here are a few of the most captivating modern solos for intermediate violinists.
John Williams - Theme from "Schindler's List"
A legendary composer in cinema, John Williams' Theme from Schindler's List requires emotional depth and delicate phrasing.
It has a simple yet powerful melody that you can use to work on your vibrato control and expressive dynamics.
Philip Glass - Violin Concerto No. 1 (First Movement)
This minimalist masterpiece has repetitive structures and evolving patterns. If you want to practice rhythm and maintain focus, try this piece.
This piece is a test of endurance and concentration, a fine example of modern minimalism.
Samuel Barber - Violin Concerto, Op. 14 (Second Movement)
This piece's lush, lyrical melodies and dramatic expression have made it popular with violinists (and other musicians) worldwide.
The second movement has soaring lines and rich harmonies that allow you to work on careful bowing and sensitive dynamics.
This is a challenging and rewarding piece for intermediate players.
Arvo Pärt - Spiegel im Spiegel
This piece, which means “Mirror in the Mirror” is a minimalist masterpiece. It's simple, but it's deceptive.
Intermediate violinists will need complete control over tone and phrasing, with the repetitive, reflective melody offering opportunities to focus on their sound and intonation.
Max Richter - November (from "Memoryhouse")
This is a modern classic with a deeply evocative melody. You'll need careful bow control and subtle expression to play it well.
Be sure to work on slow, controlled bow strokes and emotional delivery.
Want to see it played live? Here you go!
Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Solos Worth Exploring
These violin pieces for intermediate violinists mightn't be the first you consider learning. However, they're certainly worth including in any intermediate violinist's repertoire, especially as they look to progress to an advanced violinist.
It's the same for any musician: moving outside of your comfort zone and trying new things is the best way to improve.
These pieces should scratch that itch.
Paganini - Cantabile in D Major, Op. 17
Paganini's Cantabile in D Major is a more lyrical side to the composer. This short and expressive piece has smooth legato bowing and delicate phrasing.
If you want to master vibrato and explore dynamic contrasts, add this to your repertoire.
Sarasate - Zigeunerweisen, Op. 20
This is a dramatic piece by Pablo de Sarasate. It's technically demanding, but intermediate violinists can start with the slower sections to work on emotional expression and bow control.
This is a piece to add to your repertoire once you move closer to upper-intermediate.
Viotti - Violin Concerto No. 22 in A Minor (Andante)
A hidden treasure, the Andante movement from Viotti's Violin Concerto No. 22 is beautifully expressive and less technically demanding than other concertos.
Intermediate students looking to explore deeper phrasing and tonal control should add this to their repertoire.
Rieding - Violin Concerto in B Minor, Op. 35
This approachable yet expressive piece is excellent for practicing shifts and smooth bowing. With its elegant, melodic lines, it is a popular recital piece for intermediate violinists.
A staple of any intermediate violin repertoire, add it to yours!
Kreisler - Liebesleid
This is a salon piece that showcases the violin's lyrical qualities. If you want to practice vibrato and expressive bowing, Liebesleid is a great choice.
It's also a good piece for any pianist interested in adding to their repertoire.
Watch it performed here.
Which of these genres do you prefer playing on your violin?
Improving Your Violin Playing with Superprof
As with any musical instrument, it is easy to plateau. Whether you're a beginner violinist looking to move on to intermediate playing or an intermediate violinist trying to reach an advanced level, a private violin tutor can help. Explore private violin lessons near me for further improvement.
Musicians often get overly familiar with their current repertoire to the point where they're never challenged. A private tutor can recommend pieces to help you advance and guide you through your mistakes.
With Superprof, you just need to search for violin tutors, and you can start browsing their profiles to see how much they charge, where they're based, and the levels they teach. You can also find private violin lessons near me to get personalized guidance.
Since most of the private tutors on Superprof offer the first session for free, you can even try a few before choosing the one that's right for you, your budget, and your learning style.
Musicians often get overly familiar with their current repertoire to the point where they're never challenged. A private tutor can recommend pieces to help you advance and guide you through your mistakes.
With Superprof, you just need to search for violin tutors, and you can start browsing their profiles to see how much they charge, where they're based, and the levels they teach.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
