Drdla Muzurka No 2 Op. 23 for Solo Violin & String Orchestra

Drdla's Mazurka No. 2, Op. 23 is a violin showpiece with the snap and energy of a genuine Polish dance, and it has been a reliable choice for concert features and encores since Drdla wrote it in the early twentieth century. This arrangement takes the original violin and piano version and places the solo violin inside a string orchestra texture, giving the accompaniment more body and colour without altering a note of the solo line.

At around ABRSM Grade 7, the piece makes real demands on the soloist's rhythmic control. The mazurka character depends on crisp, committed bow strokes and a clear sense of the characteristic dotted rhythms; any vagueness in the bowing and the dance quality disappears. There is some double stopping, which needs careful intonation management, and the lyrical passages ask for a singing tone and expressive shaping. The orchestra supports the soloist throughout: the texture thickens in the more energetic sections and opens up in the quieter ones, keeping the solo line clearly in front at all times.

At four to five minutes, it fits naturally as a concert feature or programme closer without overstaying its welcome.

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 picture of the engraving quality and overall difficulty before you buy.

Key features

• Instrumentation: Solo Violin + String Orchestra (Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass)
• Difficulty: approximately ABRSM Grade 7 (solo)
• Duration: approximately 4–5 minutes
• Style focus: rhythmic bow control, double stopping, expressive cantabile playing
• Format: PDF download, full score and all parts

Who it's for

This suits student solo features in school concerts and youth ensemble programmes where something with rhythmic character and real stage presence is needed. It also works well in community and amateur orchestra programmes as a short, engaging solo vehicle, and the Grade 7 level makes it a good fit for late secondary or early conservatoire soloists looking for a stylish concert piece that is not a standard concerto.