Sarasate Caprice Basque Op 24 for Solo Violin & String Orchestra

Sarasate: Caprice Basque Op. 24 for Solo Violin and String Orchestra

The Caprice Basque is Sarasate at his most extrovert. Based on folk music from the Basque Country, it channels the rhythmic energy of that tradition into a concert showpiece that makes serious demands on both stamina and bow technique. Originally written for violin and piano, this arrangement gives the solo violin a string orchestra accompaniment drawn from the original orchestral score.

The outer sections call for rapid, precise bow work: light off-the-string strokes that need to stay clean at high speed, and the left-hand agility to keep the passagework articulate rather than smeared. The character throughout is rhythmically pointed and propulsive, which takes interpretive understanding as well as technical security. A more lyrical central section sits in contrast to the fiery outer writing, and moving convincingly between the two moods is part of what the piece demands at Diploma or Professional level.

At seven minutes, this is a proper concert showpiece with the stamina demands to match.

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)
• Original: Caprice Basque Op. 24 (originally for violin and piano/orchestra)
• Difficulty: Diploma / Professional
• Duration: approximately 7 minutes
• Style focus: off-the-string bow technique, rapid passage work, Basque rhythmic character, lyrical contrast
• Format: PDF download, full score and all parts

Who it's for

This is repertoire for professional soloists and conservatoire students at diploma level who are ready for a substantial concert showpiece. It also suits chamber and youth orchestras with a professional or near-professional guest soloist, where the string-only accompaniment makes it practically accessible without reducing its impact.