Top 5 Small Pieces for Intermediate Violin Players

If you're an intermediate violinist looking for pieces that challenge your technique while still being fun and expressive, you've come to the right place! Here are five short but rewarding violin pieces that will help you grow as a musician and add some variety to your repertoire.

Small Pieces for Intermediate Violin Players

1. Ave Maria – Charles Gounod (after J.S. Bach)

This is one of the most beautiful and recognizable pieces in classical music. Gounod’s Ave Maria is based on Bach’s Prelude No. 1 in C Major from The Well-Tempered Clavier, and it’s all about smooth phrasing, warm tone, and delicate bow control. It’s a great way to work on expressive playing and vibrato, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

2. Bach Double – J.S. Bach (from Partita No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002)

This movement, often called the Double from Partita No. 1, is a great exercise in dexterity and articulation. The constant flow of sixteenth notes means you need solid left-hand agility and good bow control to keep it clear and smooth. It’s an awesome piece to develop precision and musicality while diving into Bach’s intricate style.

3. Perpetuum Mobile – Carl Böhm

Böhm’s Perpetuum Mobile is a lively and fast-paced piece that’s super fun to play. With its continuous stream of notes, it’s perfect for working on bowing control, coordination, and left-hand speed. It’s a great way to push your technique while keeping things light and energetic.

4. Praeludium – Fritz Kreisler

Kreisler’s Praeludium is short but full of flair. It’s got flashy runs, quick shifts, and dynamic contrasts that make it both challenging and exciting. This piece is perfect for working on stylistic interpretation and adding some personality to your playing.

5. Schindler’s List Theme – John Williams

This hauntingly beautiful piece by John Williams is all about emotion. While it’s not as technically demanding as some of the others, it requires incredible sensitivity in tone production and phrasing. It’s a great choice for improving bow control, expressive vibrato, and overall musicality.

Each of these small pieces for intermediate violin players offers something different, whether it's speed, expressiveness, or technical precision. If you're looking to improve your playing while enjoying some truly beautiful music, these works are a fantastic place to start!