# Prokofiev, Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64

Heavy, deliberate, rhythmically exact writing in the middle register. Approachable notes, unforgiving pulse.

## About the excerpt

- **Composer:** Sergei Prokofiev

- **Work:** Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64

- **Era:** Modern (c. 1910–1950)

- **Composed:** 1935

- **Clef:** Alto clef

- **Difficulty:** Intermediate

- **Audition list:** Standard excerpt

## Bowing

Weighted strokes with real grip in the string. The character is menacing and deliberate.

## Where it goes wrong

Any rushing is immediately audible because the whole low string section moves together.

## Style

Do not soften it. The passage should sound blunt.

## Techniques

ballet, audition, rhythm, heavy

This public reference contains work information and original practice notes. It does not publish the excerpt notation or grant permission to copy a score. Score access and rights depend on the edition and jurisdiction.

## Related excerpts

- [Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5, I, opening](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/viola/shostakovich-5-i-viola), The angular canonic opening. Exposed, rhythmically strict, and demanding a hard, deliberate sound rather than a warm one. Advanced; Modern; Alto clef. Standard audition excerpt.
- [Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé, Suite No. 2](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/viola/ravel-daphnis-viola), Shimmering, divided, colouristic string writing that asks for control at very quiet dynamics and precise ensemble. Audition; Modern; Alto clef. Standard audition excerpt.

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/viola/prokofiev-romeo-juliet-viola