I've been wanting to play this for ages, but its a bit too hard (I am only grade 5.5).

What should I try first to improve my technique sufficiently?

I've been wanting to play this for years (Grade 8 plus, regular orchestral 1st violin). Bits of it will I fear forever be beyond me but enough is playable for it to be worth finding a friendly pianist sometimes for a "private" play through. Just start with the easier bits, leave out the double stopping & enjoy!

Sorry, I'm not really replying to this post, but I've been looking for this particular piece for ages, anyone else have any idea where to download this piece from the internet for free?

I think to play this piece, probably one has to work hard to get to the standard before being able to play the whole movement Isn't this piece post-grade 8?

happygirl

A long way post grade 8
You could give the middle movement ago (probably closer to grade 8)

Dave

I have played this piece (only the 1st movement). Sevcik double-stops are actually quite helpful because there are definitely a number of double stops in the piece. Also, practice fast fingers. Perhaps Schradiek exercises should do the trick for that. Scale arpeggios are a definite plus, and lastly the bow crossings are also a skill you can practice just on open strings.

To Happygirl:

There is a website called www.virtualsheetmusic.com that you could download the mendelssohn concerto. you can listen to it for free but the download is not.

I signed up as a member for $ 37.50 US. for unlimited download.

jimmybvilla, I'm afraid I can't afford to pay that amount. I'd rather buy the piece 'if' I come across it one day. Thanks

happygirl

Well, what are the techniques needed:

Barriolage, High notes, Octaves, Broken octaves, what else?