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Concertino in G, Op. 11 – Küchler

by Ben Clapton, posted in Arrangements, Violin Resources

German composer Ferdinand Küchler wrote this piece in 1934 and it became a staple in the beginner violin repertoire. Küchler was a renowned violin pedagogue, and his writings on teaching went on to shape violin pedagogy into the 1960s.

This concertino of three movements was written to be performed in the first position. The first movement, Allegro Moderato, is written in sonata form, features an arpeggiated main theme, a tranqillo second theme, with some scalic passages and a repeated quaver development of the first theme. The second movement, Andante, in 3/4, is in an extended Ternary form (AABA). The final movement, entitled Rondo with a tempo marking of Allegro, is written in rondo form, and includes a number of beautifully crafted melodies.

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Why shouldn’t I buy my violin from gumtree?

by Ben Clapton, posted in blog

So your child is starting to learn the violin, and you need to get a violin. You look at the music shop prices, and balk – surely it doesn’t cost that much for a violin! So you look on Gumtree, or Craigslist. Ahh, much better. How can there be such a big difference – does it really matter?

Photo by Ylanite Koppens on Pexels.com

There’s lots of different things that go into a beginner violin, and when you buy from Gumtree or Craigslist, there’s no guarantee that you’re getting all of them, and no guarantee that you’re getting a violin that is in playable condition. So let me, an experienced violinist and music teacher, run you through the various parts, and why you shouldn’t buy a second hand violin from an unknown source.

Continue reading “Why shouldn’t I buy my violin from gumtree?” →

Concerto in D Maj, Op. 36 – Rieding

by Ben Clapton, posted in Violin Resources

A concerto which remains entirely in first position, this concerto contains catchy melodies yet still provides some technical challenges to stretch the player. First published in 1911, some 7 years before the composer’s death (1840-1911)

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Top 5 Violin Showpieces

by Ben Clapton, posted in blog, Music, Violin

Pablo de Sarasate
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Violin show pieces are the pieces which are at the limit of violin technique. They are difficult, flashy, and impressive. Here’s my list of the top 10 violin showpieces.

Paganini – Caprice 24

Paganini’s 24 Caprices are some of the most difficult for the violin, and being able to play any of them is a great accomplishment. However, the 24th Caprice is by far the most famous, and most difficult. Based upon a Theme and Variations model, this caprice employs many of the most difficult violin techniques in a musically solid base. This video is of Hillary Hahn performing this Caprice. Continue reading “Top 5 Violin Showpieces” →

Czardas – Monti

by Ben Clapton, posted in Violin Resources

Composed by Italian composor Vittorio Monti (1868-1922) in 1904, Csárdás was originally written for violin, mandolin or piano, and runs for about four and a half minutes. Written in seven different sections, it alternates tempo and occasionally key to add interest and excitement.

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What the Lord Has Done in Me

by Ben Clapton, posted in Arrangements, Videos

“Let the weak say “I am strong,” let the poor say, “I am rich”, let the blind say “I can see, It’s what the Lord has done in me.”

This great song by Hillsong’s Reuben Morgan speaks of the amazing upside-down world that Christ provides. 

This is an arrangement for Choir with Piano accompaniment, and optional violin. The opening solo can be sung by a Tenor or Alto, depending on your choir’s strengths.

SATB arrangement with Piano accompaniment and optional violin. List price: $7.99.

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Experience the powerful and uplifting message of Reuben Morgan’s song, “What the Lord has Done in Me” like never before with this stunning arrangement by Ben Clapton for violin and piano. Perfect for church services, weddings, and other special events, this arrangement will bring a new level of beauty and emotion to the beloved song. With its intricate piano and soaring violin parts, this arrangement is sure to leave a lasting impression on your audience. Order now and elevate your next performance with this incredible arrangement of “What the Lord has Done in Me” by Reuben Morgan and Ben Clapton.

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