Camille Saint-Saens · Advanced · violin
How to play Introduction et Rondo capriccioso in A minor, Op. 28
Introduction et Rondo capriccioso in A minor, Op. 28 is in A minor and sits at the advanced level. Very common short-showpiece audition/recital choice; tests French virtuoso style and brilliance in a compact span. 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
- Establishing a brooding, expressive mood in the slow A-minor introduction
- Spiccato and rapid string crossings throughout the rondo
- Light, brilliant passagework and clean articulation at speed
- Stylish Spanish-tinged phrasing and a controlled coda accelerando
What panels listen for
An expressive, unhurried introduction, crisp and even spiccato in the rondo, and elegant phrasing rather than rushed brilliance.
Frequently asked
How hard is Introduction et Rondo capriccioso in A minor, Op. 28?
Advanced level. Standard advanced showpiece on senior conservatory/diploma and audition lists; beyond the Suzuki sequence. Dedicated to and premiered by Sarasate.
What tempo is Introduction et Rondo capriccioso in A minor, Op. 28?
Slow introduction marked Andante (malinconico), moving via animato into the brilliant Allegro rondo (the famous fast section). Single-movement showpiece.
What are the hardest parts of Introduction et Rondo capriccioso in A minor, Op. 28?
The passages that trip players up: Establishing a brooding, expressive mood in the slow A-minor introduction, Spiccato and rapid string crossings throughout the rondo, Light, brilliant passagework and clean articulation at speed, Stylish Spanish-tinged phrasing and a controlled coda accelerando.
How can I tell if I am ready to perform Introduction et Rondo capriccioso in A minor, Op. 28?
Talk it through with the teacher, free, no signup. Play your take of Introduction et Rondo capriccioso in A minor, Op. 28, 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 Introduction et?
Name the passage and what it does wrong. Real fix in 30 seconds. Free to try, no card.
Name the passage that breaks