Brahms Hungarian Dance No 1 for Violin String Orchestra

Hungarian Dance No. 1 is a companion piece to No. 5, and this arrangement applies the same approach: the violin takes a solo role in front of a string orchestra, giving the piece a concerto-like character. The two dances differ in character, though. No. 1 is darker and more dramatic, with sweeping contrasts and a seriousness that the minor key reinforces throughout.

Brahms orchestrated No. 1 himself, one of only three in the set he chose to score for full orchestra, which gives the piece a well-established orchestral identity. This arrangement keeps the forces to strings only, and the solo violin sits in front of writing that has the weight and drive of Brahms's original without requiring a full symphonic ensemble.

At three minutes, it works well as a standalone concert feature or paired with Hungarian Dance No. 5 for a short, high-impact double bill.

See and hear the difference

Check the score and parts preview images above, then watch the complete score video below. They'll give you a clear sense of the engraving quality, orchestral balance, and overall difficulty before you buy.

Key features

• Instrumentation: Solo Violin + String Orchestra (Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass)
• Difficulty: Diploma / Professional
• Duration: approximately 3 minutes
• Format: PDF download, full score and all parts

Who it's for

This suits professional and conservatoire violinists looking for a dramatic, immediately effective showpiece that works without a full orchestra. It pairs naturally with Hungarian Dance No. 5 for programmes where both dances are performed, and works equally well as a standalone solo feature in string orchestra and chamber orchestra concerts.