Sarasate Zapateado Op. 23, No. 2 for Violin and String Orchestra

Sarasate: Zapateado Op. 23 No. 2 for Violin and String Orchestra

Sarasate's Zapateado, Op. 23 No. 2 is a study in rhythmic drive and bow technique: a four-minute showpiece built on the stamping rhythms of a Spanish dance, and one of the most demanding pieces of its length in the violin repertoire. This arrangement sets the original violin and piano version for solo violin and string orchestra, with a newly composed orchestral accompaniment.

The defining technical challenge is the ricochet bowing that underpins the zapateado rhythm throughout. The bow must bounce cleanly and consistently at high speed, with left-hand articulation that matches the rhythmic precision of the bow arm. There is very little breathing room: the piece is essentially relentless from start to finish, and the player who makes it look effortless is working considerably harder than the audience realises. At four minutes it feels like a sprint, and the concentration required from the soloist is total.

The string orchestra provides the stamping rhythmic foundation that gives the zapateado its character, supporting the soloist without muddying the texture. The accompaniment is newly composed from the piano original and is energetic and idiomatic for strings, giving the ensemble something genuinely characterful to play rather than simply marking time.

Four minutes is exactly the right length for a piece of this intensity. It works brilliantly as a concert encore or a high-energy programme closer, and its immediate rhythmic appeal means it lands with audiences who know the piece and equally with those who don't.

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: Diploma / Professional (solo); Advanced (ensemble)
• Duration: approximately 4 minutes
• Orchestration: newly composed string orchestra accompaniment based on the original piano part
• Format: PDF download, full score and all parts

Who it's for

This is a strong choice for professional and conservatoire recitals where something short, technically spectacular, and immediately appealing is needed. It's also a natural encore: familiar enough to be recognisable, short enough not to outstay its welcome, and demanding enough to demonstrate real virtuosity.