# Schumann, Symphony No. 2 in C major, Op. 61

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.

## About the excerpt

- **Composer:** Robert Schumann

- **Work:** Symphony No. 2 in C major, Op. 61

- **Movement:** II. Scherzo: Allegro vivace

- **Era:** Romantic (c. 1820–1880)

- **Composed:** 1846

- **Tempo:** Allegro vivace

- **Clef:** Treble clef

- **Difficulty:** Audition

- **Audition list:** Standard excerpt

## Bowing

An on-string détaché near the middle. The stroke has to stay identical for a long time, which is the actual difficulty.

## Where it goes wrong

Right-arm fatigue changes the sound before the notes fail. Practise the full length rather than only the opening bars.

String crossings must be planned; the bow arm level, not the fingers, is usually what breaks down.

## Techniques

symphony, audition, fast, stamina

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

- [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.
- [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.
- [Brahms: Symphony No. 1, IV, big tune](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/violin/brahms-1-iv-violin), The broad string melody of the finale. Technically approachable, which puts all the weight on sound and phrasing. Intermediate; Romantic; Treble clef. Standard audition excerpt.

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/violin/schumann-2-scherzo