Carl Stamitz · Intermediate · viola
How to play Viola Concerto No. 1 in D major, Op. 1
Viola Concerto No. 1 in D major, Op. 1 is in D major and sits at the intermediate level. Standard viola audition and recital concerto for late-intermediate and early-advanced players; frequent conservatory-entrance choice. 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
- Rapid arpeggios, string crossings, and double-stops in the Allegro
- Large leaps and clean shifting
- Expressive minor-key cantabile in the Andante moderato
- Light, dance-like articulation in the Rondo
- Stylish classical phrasing and ornamentation
What panels listen for
Even passagework and clean string crossings, secure intonation in leaps, expressive shaping of the D-minor slow movement, and buoyant Rondo character.
Frequently asked
How hard is Viola Concerto No. 1 in D major, Op. 1?
Intermediate level. A standard classical-era viola audition concerto alongside the Hoffmeister; common conservatory-entrance and youth-competition choice.
What tempo is Viola Concerto No. 1 in D major, Op. 1?
I. Allegro (ma non troppo); II. Andante moderato; III. Rondo. Allegretto
What are the hardest parts of Viola Concerto No. 1 in D major, Op. 1?
The passages that trip players up: Rapid arpeggios, string crossings, and double-stops in the Allegro, Large leaps and clean shifting, Expressive minor-key cantabile in the Andante moderato, Light, dance-like articulation in the Rondo, Stylish classical phrasing and ornamentation.
How can I tell if I am ready to perform Viola Concerto No. 1 in D major, Op. 1?
Talk it through with the teacher, free, no signup. Play your take of Viola Concerto No. 1 in D major, Op. 1, 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 viola pieces
Stuck on a passage in Viola Concerto?
Name the passage and what it does wrong. Real fix in 30 seconds. Free to try, no card.
Name the passage that breaks