Jenkinson Elfentanz for Violin & String Orchestra

Jenkinson: Elfentanz (Arr. Violin and String Orchestra)

Jenkinson's Elfentanz ("Dance of the Elves") is a lively, characterful miniature that works well when something short, exciting, and rewarding for an advancing violinist is needed. This arrangement takes the original violin and piano version and sets it for solo violin and string orchestra, giving the solo line extra colour and momentum without turning it into a heavy rehearsal project.

At around ABRSM Grade 5 standard, the writing sits well for developing players who are ready to sound brilliant. The solo part is built for fast, light off-the-string bowing and crisp articulation, and it's a good study in co-ordinating left and right hands as the tempo lifts. The orchestra supports the soloist clearly while giving the ensemble its own rhythmic energy and musical purpose.

At about a minute and a half, it's a short piece, but that's part of its value: it teaches quick-reacting bow control, tidy ensemble rhythm, and confident articulation, and it sounds more polished than its technical level suggests.

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: approximately ABRSM Grade 5 (solo and ensemble)
• Duration: approximately 1 minute 30 seconds
• Style focus: light off-the-string bowing, rhythmic precision, clean co-ordination
• 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 short and characterful is needed without a long rehearsal commitment. It's also useful as a technique study that doesn't feel like an exercise, and works well as a programme opener or as contrast to longer, more serious works.