| Composer | Work | Movement/Section | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Symphony No. 39 | 4th movement (exposition) | | L.v. Beethoven | Symphony No. 3 Eroica | 3rd movement (Scherzo) | | J. Brahms | Symphony No. 4 | 4th movement (opening) | | R. Strauss | Don Juan | Op. 20 (opening solo) | | F. Mendelssohn | A Midsummer Night's Dream | Scherzo | | N. Rimsky-Korsakov | Scheherazade | 2nd movement (solo) | | S. Prokofiev | Classical Symphony | 1st movement (exposition) | | M. Ravel | Daphnis et Chloé | Suite No. 2 (daybreak solo) | | A. Dvořák | Symphony No. 9 From the New World | 1st movement (opening) |
– Demands absolute clarity, pristine intonation, and a light, controlled off-the-string bow stroke.
Preparing for an orchestral audition ( Probespiel ) is distinct from preparing for a recital. The expectations are specific: rhythmic precision, absolute fidelity to the score, intonation, and the ability to blend with a section. Because the repertoire is standardized, having the correct is the first step in successful preparation.
These short segments are found in nearly every Probespiel PDF bundle due to their technical transparency:
: The collection features standard first violin ( Violine I ) and second violin ( Violine II ) excerpts. orchester probespiel violin pdf
Which are currently giving you the most technical trouble?
Most professional violin auditions are structured in rounds, requiring a mix of solo works and specific orchestral excerpts found in the "Probespiel" books:
A gold standard compilation featuring three volumes of orchestral excerpts for violin. It contains critical bowings and fingerings used by major American and European orchestras.
: Symphony No. 9 (Requires intense rhythmic accuracy) J. Brahms : Symphony No. 1 (Demands a lush, romantic tone) Second Violin Excerpts | Composer | Work | Movement/Section | |
: Companies like Schott Music offer legitimate digital editions of their official Orchester Probespiel volumes for purchase.
Audition lists vary by orchestra, but most professional auditions follow a three-round format: Solo Concertos: Classical:
A notable report from the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich describes auditions as "the most secretive, controversial, and complex events in the whole orchestra business".
: Authorized digital downloads of the official Schott Orchester Probespiel volume. 3 Eroica | 3rd movement (Scherzo) | | J
: Obtain a high-quality printed edition of the complete orchestral parts or a reputable excerpt book. Learn the excerpts from paper first, then transfer your marked fingerings to a PDF for portable reference.
Demands pristine intonation and clean string crossings. 2. Romantic Expression and Power
Mozart’s Concerto No. 3 in G major (KV 216), No. 4 in D major (KV 218), or No. 5 in A major (KV 219). Panels look for pristine intonation, clarity of articulation, and classical restraint.
Every excerpt in your PDF has a specific metronome marking used at auditions. Write these into your PDF: