Perfecting Your Audition for the National Youth Orchestra: Violin Pieces to Play

Perfecting Your Audition for the National Youth Orchestra: Violin Pieces to Play

When auditioning for the National Youth Orchestra, it's important to select pieces that showcase your technical skills, musicality, and ability to interpret various styles. This guide provides recommendations for violin pieces that are commonly well-received in auditions.

Popular Concertos for Your Audition

Concertos are a fantastic choice for demonstrating your virtuosity and technical prowess. Here are some recommended options:

Vivaldi: Any Vivaldi concerto, particularly ones featuring virtuosic passages and dynamic ranges. Mozart: Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major K. 216 Brahms: Violin Concerto in D major Op. 77 Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D major Op. 35 Sibelius: Violin Concerto in D minor Op. 47

Subtle Yet Effective Sonatas

Sonatas are another excellent choice for showcasing your interpretive skills. Here are a few to consider:

-peer: Bach: Sonata No. 1 in G minor BWV 1001 Debussy: Violin Sonata

Essential Etudes and Caprices

Etudes and caprices are great for demonstrating technical precision and musical expressiveness. Here are some options:

Paganini: Caprice No. 24 42 Studies or Etudes Wieniawski: Scherzo-Tarantelle Op. 16

Brief yet Memorable Shorter Pieces

Shorter pieces can add variety to your audition and leave a lasting impression. Consider these:

Mendelssohn Tchaikovsky Czardas by Vittorio Monti

Selection Tips for Your National Youth Orchestra Audition

Technical Difficulty: Select pieces that highlight your strengths but are also within your technical ability.

Musical Expression: Choose works that allow you to demonstrate your musicality and interpretive skills.

Contrast: Where possible, include a mix of fast and slow pieces to showcase versatility.

Additional Preparations and Considerations

Practice: Make sure to practice thoroughly, focusing on intonation, rhythm, dynamics, and expression. Practice in varied settings, such as performing in front of peers or teachers, to gain confidence.

Selection of Pieces Matter: Choosing pieces where you can excel is crucial. Avoid overly famous pieces as they may have been heard many times, and you want to show your unique playfulness and interpretive skills.

Handling Cuts and Feedback: If the audition is cut short or they request specific phrases, avoid panic. It's part of the process to adapt and perform effectively under pressure. Be poised and demonstrate your adaptability.

Best of luck with your audition and enjoy the experience of showcasing your musical talents to the National Youth Orchestra!