# Brahms, Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68

The broad string melody of the finale. Technically approachable, which puts all the weight on sound and phrasing.

## About the excerpt

- **Composer:** Johannes Brahms

- **Work:** Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68

- **Movement:** IV. Allegro non troppo, ma con brio

- **Era:** Romantic (c. 1820–1880)

- **Composed:** 1876

- **Clef:** Treble clef

- **Difficulty:** Intermediate

- **Audition list:** Standard excerpt

## Bowing

Full, sustained bow with a warm contact point. The tune has to carry over the whole orchestra without being forced.

## Where it goes wrong

Because the section plays it together, matching bowings and note lengths matters more than individual expression.

## Style

Shape it as one long line to the peak rather than bar by bar. Brahms writes the phrase longer than the bowing suggests.

## Techniques

symphony, audition, lyrical, section

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

- [Brahms: Symphony No. 4, I, opening](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/violin/brahms-4-i-violin), The chain of falling thirds that opens the symphony. Exposed, lyrical, and unforgiving about the shape of each two-note gesture. Advanced; Romantic; Treble clef. Standard audition excerpt.
- [Mendelssohn: Midsummer Night’s Dream, Scherzo](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/violin/mendelssohn-midsummer-scherzo-violin), The benchmark test for a light, fast, controlled stroke. Fairy music at speed, played quietly, with total evenness. Audition; Romantic; Treble clef. Standard audition excerpt.
- [Schumann: Symphony No. 2, II, Scherzo](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/violin/schumann-2-scherzo), Perpetual-motion sixteenth notes at a fast tempo, sustained far longer than feels comfortable. A stamina and evenness test as much as a technical one. Audition; Romantic; Treble clef. Standard audition excerpt.

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/violin/brahms-1-iv-violin