Alexander Glazunov · Advanced · violin
How to play Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 82
Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 82 is in A minor and sits at the advanced level. Frequent advanced concerto-round audition and competition piece; valued for compactness (roughly 20 minutes) and brilliance. The fastest way through it is to name the passage that keeps breaking, on the same five dimensions a panel listens for, and fix that one first.
The hard passages
- Lyrical, espressivo high-position playing in the opening Moderato
- The integrated solo cadenza that links the slow section to the finale (multiple-stops and arpeggiated figuration)
- Brilliant rondo finale with rapid passagework, spiccato and high-register fireworks
- Pacing a single continuous arch without traditional movement pauses
What panels listen for
A continuous, well-paced dramatic arc, expressive tone in the lyrical sections, and a sparkling, accurate finale.
Frequently asked
How hard is Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 82?
Advanced level. Standard advanced Romantic concerto on senior conservatory/diploma and audition lists (e.g., RCM/ABRSM upper-diploma level); beyond the Suzuki sequence.
What tempo is Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 82?
Cast as a single continuous movement (no internal breaks), with linked sections: Moderato (Allegro moderato) exposition; Andante (sostenuto) slow section; an integrated solo cadenza; and an Allegro rondo finale. Often loosely described as three sections rather than separate movements.
What are the hardest parts of Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 82?
The passages that trip players up: Lyrical, espressivo high-position playing in the opening Moderato, The integrated solo cadenza that links the slow section to the finale (multiple-stops and arpeggiated figuration), Brilliant rondo finale with rapid passagework, spiccato and high-register fireworks, Pacing a single continuous arch without traditional movement pauses.
How can I tell if I am ready to perform Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 82?
Talk it through with the teacher, free, no signup. Play your take of Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 82, get the one specific fix that is holding you back, then run it again. The teacher listens every day, not just at lesson time.
More violin pieces
Stuck on a passage in Violin Concerto?
Name the passage and what it does wrong. Real fix in 30 seconds. Free to try, no card.
Name the passage that breaks