Violin excerpt · Audition repertoire
Mozart, Symphony No. 39 in E-flat major, K. 543
II. Andante con moto
The standard classical-style test. Nothing here is technically hard, which is exactly why it is difficult, every choice of bow, note length, and dynamic is audible.
At a glance
- Instrument
- Violin
- Composer
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Work
- Symphony No. 39 in E-flat major, K. 543
- Movement
- II. Andante con moto
- Era
- Classical (c. 1750–1820)
- Composed
- 1788
- Tempo
- Andante con moto
- Clef
- Treble clef
- Level
- Advanced, conservatory level
- Audition list
- Yes, standard excerpt
How to practise it
The bow style, the trouble spots, and the stylistic decisions that come up most often on this excerpt.
Bowing
Bow distribution is the whole problem, long notes need planning so the stroke does not run out before the phrase does.
Where it goes wrong
Panels use this excerpt to hear rhythm. Dotted figures and the relationship between them must be exact, not approximate.
Style
Classical style, not romantic: a lighter bow, less vibrato than you probably want to use, and clear note endings rather than sustained ones.
Tags
Work on the technique underneath
Arco's violin curriculum builds the bow strokes, positions, and clef reading this excerpt assumes, with recorded violin playback throughout.