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

Yanshinov's Variations on an Estonian Folk Song Op. 35 takes a simple, characterful folk melody and puts it through a series of variations that each bring something technically different. At Grade 4 it's genuinely approachable, and the variations format means the three players encounter a range of techniques within a short, enjoyable piece rather than working on one thing for several minutes.

The writing incorporates left hand pizzicato, stopped notes, string crossings, and a variety of bow strokes across the variations, which makes it a compact but useful study in the kind of technical range a Grade 4 player should be developing. The ensemble dimension adds another layer: balancing three violin parts, listening across the group, and shaping the folk melody together are skills that don't come from solo practice, and this piece gives students a low-pressure, enjoyable context in which to develop them.

This is a new edition engraved from the original score, with all three parts clearly laid out for use in lessons, workshops, and performance.

At three to four minutes it sits well in a student concert or workshop without demanding a long rehearsal commitment.

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 Trio (Violin I, Violin II, Violin III)
• Difficulty: approximately ABRSM Grade 4
• Duration: approximately 3–4 minutes
• Style focus: pizzicato, bow variety, string crossings, ensemble balance
• Format: PDF download, full score and all three violin parts

Who it's for

This suits violin students around Grade 4 who are ready to start playing chamber music. It works well in group lessons, studio workshops, and student concerts where a short, characterful ensemble piece is needed that doesn't require a long rehearsal investment. For teachers with a group of students at a similar level, it's a practical introduction to ensemble playing: the variations give each player something different to focus on technically, and the folk character makes it genuinely fun to play.