Yanshinov Concertino Op 35 for Violin and Piano

Yanshinov's Concertino in Russian Style, Op. 35 is one of those pieces that sits more comfortably in the hand than its grade might suggest, and that's part of its value. Most of the writing stays in first position, which makes it accessible to Grade 6 players without the added pressure of extensive shifting. What takes it to that grade is everything else: the combination of controlled cantabile playing in the lyrical sections, active semiquaver passage work for the left hand, and a variety of bow styles that all need to be managed convincingly within the same piece.

The Russian character runs through everything. The melodies are direct and appealing, with a folk-inflected quality that makes them easy to connect with musically, and the livelier passages have real rhythmic energy. For a student developing bow technique across different styles, this concertino covers useful ground: it asks for sustained singing tone in one breath and crisp, articulate passagework in the next, and putting those together cleanly is what the piece is really about.

This is a new edition engraved from the original score, presented clearly for use in lessons, practice, and performance.

At seven minutes it's a substantial piece for the grade, with enough variety to hold a recital audience and enough technical breadth to justify the rehearsal time.

See and hear the difference

Check the score and part 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 6
• Duration: approximately 7 minutes
• Style focus: cantabile tone, bow variety, semiquaver passage work, Russian folk character
• Format: PDF download, full score and violin part

Who it's for

This suits violinists at Grade 6 looking for a piece with real character that doesn't demand advanced position work. It works well in student recitals and examinations where something musically distinctive is needed, and the Russian folk flavour makes it stand out in a programme of standard repertoire. For teachers, it's a practical choice for developing bow variety and cantabile tone together in music students will genuinely enjoy playing.