Rieding Petite Ballade for Violin and String Orchestra

Rieding: Petite Ballade in E minor (Arr. Violin & String Orchestra)

“Expressive Romantic lyricism without concerto-level demands”—a confident step up for advancing young violinists.

Rieding’s Petite Ballade is a natural next step for students moving beyond study pieces into genuine Romantic concert repertoire. Written in a warm, song-like style, it offers a lyrical solo line that develops phrasing, bow control, and early shifting. This edition adds a distinct advantage for performers and teachers alike by transforming the usual piano accompaniment into a supportive string orchestra texture, giving the soloist a true “concerto” experience that still fits comfortably at ABRSM Grade 5.

See & Hear the Difference Have a look at the score and parts preview images above, then watch the complete score video below. Together, these let you look at the engraving quality and check that the overall standard of the arrangement is appropriate for your ensemble before you buy.

Key Features

• Instrumentation: Solo Violin and String Orchestra (Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass)
• Format: High-quality PDF Download (Full Score & All Parts)
• Difficulty: Intermediate – approx. ABRSM Grade 5
• Fidelity: Meticulously re-engraved (not a scan) for crystal-clear legibility
• Duration: Short single-movement concert piece (ideal when rehearsal time is limited)

Why This Arrangement Matters

Rieding wrote with developing violinists in mind, and Petite Ballade is a prime example: a singing Romantic melody that encourages long phrases, smooth bow changes, and confident use of first and third position without overloading the left hand. The string orchestra accompaniment replaces the piano’s denser textures with clear, transparent scoring, making balance easier to manage in rehearsal and performance. For the soloist, it feels like a “real” concerto feature that builds confidence on stage; for the orchestra, it reinforces essential accompanying skills—listening to the solo line, shaping dynamics, and supporting the musical line rather than competing with it.

Perfect For

• Youth & School Orchestras: Gives a strong student soloist the thrill of leading a full string ensemble, while the tutti writing stays accessible for mixed-ability sections.
• Student Recitals, Festivals & Prize-Giving Concerts: A compact, lyrical showpiece that fits naturally into Grade 5 recital programmes and end-of-term concerts.
• Community & Amateur String Ensembles: A charming, audience-friendly feature that adds Romantic colour to a programme without demanding concerto-level rehearsal time.