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Suzuki Book 4: Vivaldi Concerto in A Minor, 3rd Movement – Violin Play-Along and Tutorial

Hi everyone! This is Joel Kennedy with Kennedy Violins, and today’s play-along session features the Vivaldi Concerto in A Minor, 3rd Movement, from Suzuki Book 4. This piece is an exciting challenge for advancing violinists, full of dynamic contrasts, articulation techniques, and expressive phrasing. Follow along with this tutorial, and don’t forget to download the PDF guide for additional practice materials.

Download the PDF Guide

Understanding the Musical Structure

This movement features contrasting staccato and legato passages that demand control and precision. The opening theme introduces crisp, energetic martelé strokes, followed by a lyrical legato section requiring smooth bowing transitions. Paying attention to these elements will help bring out the excitement and expressiveness of the piece.

Key Techniques to Master

1. Articulation: Staccato vs. Legato

  • The opening measures feature strong, clear staccato notes. Use middle to upper bow for maximum clarity.

  • Transitioning to the legato passages, ensure long, connected bow strokes to contrast the crisp opening.

  • When playing softer dynamics (piano sections), move closer to the tip of the bow for better control.

2. Dynamic Control

  • Forte vs. Piano: The piece alternates between bold, commanding sections and delicate, quiet phrases. Planning your bow usage ahead of time helps maintain these contrasts effectively.

  • Watch for emphasis on eighth notes, especially in phrase endings—this gives the melody direction and musical shape.

3. Shifting and Finger Placement

  • The third line introduces shifting into third position, where many players may prefer to shift on the first eighth note rather than the last, to maintain phrase consistency.

  • Use anchor fingers when shifting, ensuring a smooth transition without disrupting phrasing.

  • In measure 28, ensure the second finger in fourth position is properly matched in pitch with the preceding note before proceeding.

Advanced Bowing Considerations

1. Managing Accents and Sforzandos

  • The fourth line features strong sforzando accents, requiring firm bow strokes.

  • Keep the bow closer to the frog to execute these effectively.

2. Balancing 16th Note Passages

  • Playing middle-bow allows for better articulation while keeping bow movements economical.

  • Measure 77 introduces a finger replacement technique, replacing a standard high three with a low four—practice this transition separately to build confidence.

  • Use a metronome to maintain rhythmic consistency and gradually increase speed.

Refining the Final Section

1. Dolce & Expressive Phrasing

  • Measure 122 calls for a Dolce approach, meaning soft, sweetly phrased 16th notes.

  • Play near the upper bow to keep the tone light and expressive.

2. Ending with Style

  • The final measures build in dynamics and articulation, alternating forte and piano contrasts.

  • The poco allargando (gradual slowing) and accents in measure 136 set up the dramatic ending.

  • The final fermata should be played with a full-bodied tone, ensuring the movement concludes with strength.

Keep Practicing and Stay Tuned!

If you found this tutorial helpful, subscribe to our YouTube channel for more play-along videos, technique tutorials, and violin tips. Keep practicing, and see you next time for Allegretto from Suzuki Book 1—happy practicing!