Yanshinov Concertino Op 35 for Violin and String Orchestra

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. This arrangement expands the original piano accompaniment into a string orchestra, built from Yanshinov's piano part with the harmonic structure preserved and the textures rewritten for strings throughout.

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. The string orchestra keeps the solo violin clearly at the front throughout, supporting without covering.

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 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: 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 all parts

Who it's for

This suits violinists at Grade 6 looking for a piece with real character that doesn't demand advanced position work, performed with the added experience of an orchestral ensemble. It works well in school concerts and student recitals where something musically distinctive is needed, and the Russian folk flavour makes it stand out in a programme. For teachers, it offers the same technical breadth as the piano version with the added benefit of giving a student their first experience of playing with an orchestra. A violin and piano edition is also available separately.