# Late-Romantic violin excerpts

c. 1880–1910

This late-romantic violin selection contains 2 excerpts. Begin with Strauss: Don Juan, opening: The most requested violin excerpt in the orchestral repertoire. A headlong ascending gesture that has to sound both brilliant and completely controlled from the first note. The period label groups these works for discovery; it does not prescribe one tempo, articulation or sound for every composer.

For violin, separate a fast left-hand pattern from its bow distribution first. Reconnect them at a tempo where the crossing or shift does not interrupt the pulse, then check whether a repeated figure has the same articulation each time.

The recorded technique tags in this selection include tone-poem, audition, fast, bravura, solo. Choose one relevant passage, read its specific practice notes below, and set one listening target before a complete run. Tags describe the library entries, not a required exam syllabus.

Late-romantic scores push the section higher, louder, and further into divisi. Excerpts from this period are the backbone of professional audition lists precisely because they test range, sustained intensity, and tenor and treble clef reading all at once.

- [Strauss: Don Juan, opening](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/violin/strauss-don-juan-opening), The most requested violin excerpt in the orchestral repertoire. A headlong ascending gesture that has to sound both brilliant and completely controlled from the first note. Audition; Late-Romantic; Treble clef. Standard audition excerpt.
- [Strauss: Ein Heldenleben, violin solo](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/violin/strauss-heldenleben-solo), The extended concertmaster solo depicting the hero’s companion. Standard at concertmaster auditions and a test of characterisation as much as technique. Audition; Late-Romantic; Treble clef. Standard audition excerpt.

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/violin/era/late-romantic