Friedrich Seitz's Concerto No. 5 in D Major is a staple in the repertoire of intermediate violin students, providing a delightful challenge with its technical demands and expressive opportunities. At Kennedy Violins, we're here to guide you through mastering this piece, particularly focusing on the third movement, the Rondo

Download a PDF copy of the series to follow along and play along.

Understanding the Structure

The Rondo movement is characterized by its recurring theme interspersed with contrasting sections. Here's how to approach each:

Opening Section

• Key Points:

  • The piece opens in D Major, with F# and C# sharps to remember.
  • Look out for accidentals like F naturals and B flats which add color to the melody.

• Practice Tips:

  • Focus on clear articulation. Use staccato for dotted notes, ensuring each note is short and crisp.
  • Practice stopping or completely lifting the bow between notes for clearer separation, especially in the opening.

Second Section

• Character Shift:

  • This part introduces more legato playing, indicated by slurs. It's your chance to show off your phrasing and vibrato.

• Technique Focus:

  • Work on smooth bow transitions, especially in the legato sections.
  • Use vibrato on held notes to add warmth and expression. Avoid the common mistake of not vibrating after shifts.

Double Stop Section

• Challenges:

  • Double stops require precision in both hands. This section is particularly demanding due to the need for finger independence and accurate intonation.

• Practice Strategies:

  • Stand your fingers up to avoid touching adjacent strings, especially beneficial for those with larger fingers.
  • Keep fingers down where possible to aid in finger placement for subsequent notes.
  • Practice double stops slowly, keeping fingers down longer initially to master the stretch and placement.

Advanced Techniques and Tips

• Articulation Mastery:

  • For staccato, consider using the upper part of the bow for a lighter, more agile sound, which is less common but effective in this context.

• Rhythmic Accuracy:

  • With figures involving grace notes, ensure they fit within the beat structure. Practice with a metronome to keep time accurate.

• Expression and Dynamics:

  • Use dynamics (variations in volume) and articulation to add expression to your playing.