Yanshinov Variations on an Estonian Folk Song Op 38 for Viola Trio

Yanshinov's Variations on an Estonian Folk Song, Op. 38 takes a simple folk melody and develops it through a set of contrasting variations, each asking something slightly different from the players. This arrangement by Paul Wood re-voices the work for viola trio, giving each of the three parts a distinct musical role, and presents it at around ABRSM Grade 4-5: a practical and unusual chamber piece for three violists at this level.

Aleksey Yanshinov (1871-1943) was a Russian music educator who specialised in writing pieces that were both pedagogically purposeful and genuinely musical to play. The variation form suits this purpose well: each variation develops the ensemble's listening skills and independent playing in a slightly different way, while the folk character of the theme keeps the music grounded and accessible. Playing three violas together requires careful attention to intonation, blend, and balance. With no higher or lower instrument to anchor the texture, each player has to listen horizontally as well as vertically.

At four minutes, it's a well-proportioned piece for a school recital, string workshop, or studio concert, and the three-viola combination is unusual enough to make it a distinctive programme item. For a violist at Grade 4-5, performing in a chamber ensemble where all three parts carry equal weight is a genuinely different experience from section or orchestral playing.

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: Viola Trio (Viola I, Viola II, Viola III)
• Difficulty: approximately ABRSM Grade 4-5
• Duration: approximately 4 minutes
• Style focus: ensemble intonation and blend, independent part-playing, folk character through variation form
• Arranger: Paul Wood for MyMusicScores
• Format: PDF download, full score and all three individual parts

Who it's for

Suits three violists at Grade 4-5 looking for a chamber piece that develops independent playing, intonation, and ensemble listening skills. Works well for school recitals, string workshops, and studio concerts, and offers a three-viola combination that is rarely seen in the standard repertoire.