Dvorak Violin Concerto for Violin and String Orchestra - First Movement

Dvořák's Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 53 is one of the most demanding and rewarding works in the Romantic concerto repertoire. This arrangement by Paul Wood presents the first movement, Allegro ma non troppo, for solo violin and string orchestra — making the piece accessible for ensembles without a full orchestral complement, while preserving the original solo line and the essential harmonic and rhythmic character of the writing.

Completed in 1880 and revised in consultation with the violinist Joseph Joachim, the concerto is full of Czech character: dramatic and lyrical in turn, with a solo part that demands the full range of an advanced violinist's technique. The first movement runs to ten minutes and asks for everything from broad, singing phrases in the upper register to fast passagework, dramatic double stops, and sustained stamina throughout. This is professional and diploma-level repertoire in every sense.

The string orchestra reduction retains the harmonic foundation and rhythmic drive of the original orchestration. The absence of woodwind and brass is handled through careful voicing of the string parts, which carry the essential weight and colour of Dvořák's writing without the piece feeling thinned out.

For a school or youth orchestra with a strong young soloist, or a conservatoire ensemble that wants to programme major repertoire without the logistics of a full orchestra, this arrangement offers a practical solution that doesn't compromise the musical experience. At ten minutes, the first movement stands well as a complete concert item in its own right.

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 and String Orchestra (Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass)
• Difficulty: advanced and concert level; suitable for experienced young soloists and professional players
• Duration: approximately 10 minutes (first movement, Allegro ma non troppo)
• Arranger: Paul Wood for MyMusicScores
• Format: PDF download, full score and all parts

Who it's for

Suits an advanced or professional violinist looking to perform the Dvořák concerto in a string orchestra context, and a youth, conservatoire, or amateur orchestra wanting to programme major Romantic repertoire without a full orchestral complement. Works well as the centrepiece of a school or conservatoire concert.