Severn Perpetuum Mobile for Violin and Piano

Edmund Severn: Perpetuum Mobile (Violin & Piano)

Perpetuum Mobile is a short, continuously moving showpiece for violin and piano: this is a great work out for both hands.

At around ABRSM Grade 3, the writing is accessible but not easy. Severn kept the patterns within comfortable hand positions and the piece sits well under the fingers, but holding a light, even bow stroke across four strings for two to three minutes straight is the real test. Left-hand coordination, string-crossing control, and rhythmic steadiness all have to work together at once, and that's what makes it useful as a teaching piece. It rewards patient, careful practise, and there's a clear sense of progress as the coordination improves.

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: Violin and Piano
• Difficulty: approximately ABRSM Grade 3
• Duration: approximately 2-3 minutes
• Style focus: even bowing, string-crossing, rhythmic coordination
• Format: PDF download, violin part and piano accompaniment

Who it's for

This suits students preparing for Grade 3-4 who need something more performable than an exercise, and it works well as a solo feature in school concerts or junior events where a bright, short piece is needed. Teachers will find it a good vehicle for focused bow technique work that students actually want to practise.