Calling all violin players - is this passage possible at this speed ?

[Adrian Allan]

Hi

I'm wondering how feasible it would be to ask the first violins in a professional orchestra to play the passage that I've attached.

Think of it as quaver triplets at 140 bpm - rather than semiquaver triplets at 70 if it makes it easier.

I've heard that arpeggios are harder than scales on a violin, so I don't want to ask for something too hard.

please open the PDF to view.

Thanks

Adrian

[H. Archibald]

If the speed is crotchet=70 then there is no reason why the passages couldn't be played. I don't even see any of the string crossing as a problem. Looks good to go. These particular arpeggios aren't that difficult because many of them can be played without changing or crossing strings and as I said when the change is required I don't see any difficulties to be had.

[Adrian Allan]

Thanks for your reply - much appreciated. There is always the risk of writing something that is impossible to play if, even if your samples are up to the job !

[H. Archibald]

You're welcome

[Adrian Allan]

Yes, slurred would be ok - as the melody should ring out on the first beat of each triplet group, the other notes are just the arpeggio of the supporting chord.

I've heard from 3 violinists now, and they all say it's not too hard - worth checking, anyway.

I now have to work out what's possible on a harp, as I want to include a harp part too.

Do you think that most semi-pro/ amateur orchestras have a harp player they can call on, or am I limiting the piece's playability ?

[Adrian Allan]

Good, then I can proceed with my concerto for Renaissance theorbo !

Seriously, though, thanks for the advice. I was trying to create a different tonal range for a second movement, so I thought of a harp.

I aim to use the harp in a non-cliched way, so no ridiculous up-beat glissandos, etc, but something a little more subdued.

I think that a harp can really add something special to an orchestra so long as it is not over-used.

[Adrian Allan]

LESSON 2 - Never let your samples compromise your compositional integrity

[Adrian Allan]

thanks - and I've enjoyed your pieces.

[Fredrick zinos]

it is easily playable. Listen to the 1st violin part of the 4th movement of Schubert's "Great" C major symphony for a passage similar. One comment, you may wish to consider slurring each group of 3. That will make bowing less cumbersome.

[Adrian Allan]

Cheers, I have listened to that piece a few times, and will re-visit it now. You tend to forget just how fluently the violins can play fast scales and arpeggios and all stay in time (hopefully).

I'll let you know when I post my mock-up of the piece - it's a second movement of a planned symphony. Movement 1 can be found on my page.