Vivaldi Concerto for 2 Violins in A major Op.3 No.5

Vivaldi: Concerto for Two Violins in A major, Op. 3 No. 5, RV 519 (with realised Harpsichord Part)

In Op. 3 No. 5 the two solo violins are equal partners throughout: they trade material, echo each other in sequences, and at times converge in close parallel, all within the ritornello structure Vivaldi uses across the L'Estro Armonico concertos. The A major key gives the outer movements a bright, open character that suits both the violin and the ensemble sound particularly well.

This is a new edition prepared from the original score, with a fully realised harpsichord continuo part. A properly worked-out harpsichord part completes the harmonic texture Vivaldi intended and makes a practical difference to how the ensemble sounds in rehearsal and performance.

The solo parts sit at around ABRSM Grade 7, and the challenges are both technical and ensemble-based. Playing in tune across two violins, especially in passages where the parts move in parallel or converge on shared notes, requires careful listening and a well-matched approach to tone and articulation. As with all Baroque concerto writing at this level, stylistic awareness matters as much as technical facility: the rhythmic drive of the outer movements depends on bow clarity, and the slow movement needs a restrained, controlled singing line rather than the expressive weight players bring from Romantic repertoire.

At seven minutes across three movements, it is a well-proportioned and practical work for a concert programme.

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 sense of the engraving quality and overall difficulty before you buy.

Key features

• Instrumentation: 2 Solo Violins + String Orchestra (Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass) + Harpsichord (realised continuo)
• Difficulty: approximately ABRSM Grade 7 (solo and orchestral parts)
• Duration: approximately 7 minutes
• Style focus: ensemble coordination between the two soloists, Baroque articulation, singing tone in the slow movement
• Edition: new edition prepared from the original score, with fully realised harpsichord continuo part
• Format: PDF download, full score, all parts, and harpsichord part

Who it's for

This suits two student violinists at Grade 7 level and above who want to perform together as soloists, and chamber or school orchestras looking for a double-concerto format in Baroque repertoire. The continuo realisation makes it practical for any ensemble with a keyboard player, and the three-movement structure works well for student recitals, school concerts, and Baroque or mixed-period programmes.