Top 5 Violin Concertos for Intermediate Players with Sheet Music
- Natalia Sarasota
- Jan 14
- 2 min read
Updated: May 1
If you're an intermediate violinist looking for a concerto that’s both rewarding and a good challenge, these five pieces are perfect! They each have beautiful melodies, technical challenges, and historical significance that make them a joy to learn and perform.
Violin Concertos for Intermediate Players
🎻 1. Accolay – Violin Concerto in A Minor
Jean-Baptiste Accolay (1833–1900) was a Belgian violinist, teacher, and composer, best known for this one concerto. Even though he wrote other works, this piece became a staple in violin repertoire. It has a dramatic opening, expressive phrasing, and some cadenza-like passages that make you feel like a soloist. It’s great for working on vibrato, bow control, and musical expression.
🎻 2. Bach – Violin Concerto in A Minor, BWV 1041
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750), this concerto is a must-learn for any violinist. The first movement is lively and rhythmic, demanding clean bowing and articulation. The second movement is slow and lyrical, perfect for practicing expressive legato playing. The final movement is fast and energetic, helping improve finger coordination and dexterity. If you want to build solid technique while playing a Baroque masterpiece, this is a fantastic choice!
🎻 3. Seitz – Violin Concerto No. 3 in G Minor
Friedrich Seitz (1848–1918) wrote several student concertos, and No. 3 is one of the most popular violin concertos for intermediate players. It’s packed with drama and contrast, alternating between bold, energetic sections and lyrical, expressive passages. This concerto helps develop shifting, double stops, and bow control while sounding impressive. It’s a great piece for students looking to build confidence in their playing.
🎻 4. Viotti – Violin Concerto No. 23 in G Major
Giovanni Battista Viotti (1755–1824) is often called the "father of the modern violin concerto." His Concerto No. 23 in G Major is one of his most beloved works. Known for its elegance and technical brilliance, it features a blend of lyrical beauty and virtuosic passages. The first movement is dramatic and fast, while the second movement offers a beautiful, expressive melody that allows violinists to showcase their phrasing and tone. The lively third movement provides a great opportunity to work on bow control and dexterity.
🎻 5. Rieding – Violin Concerto in B Minor, Op. 35
Oskar Rieding (1846–1916) was a German violinist and composer known for writing accessible yet beautiful pieces for students. His Violin Concerto in B Minor is one of the best introductory concertos, featuring a dramatic opening, lyrical themes, and fun fast passages. It’s an excellent piece for working on shifting and expressive phrasing while still being manageable for intermediate players.
Which One Will You Try?
Each of these concertos offers something unique while helping you grow as a violinist. Whether you love Baroque, Classical, or Romantic styles, there’s a piece here for you. Have you played any of these yet? Which one’s your favorite? Let me know in the comments! 🎶
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