A.Arensky’s A minor violin concerto: performance analysis of the solo section

Abstract

The author studies A.Arensky’s violin concerto which is a chamber lyrical model of one-part structure. The purpose of the article is to search for the performance features of the violin section which are necessary for a successful interpretation of the composition. The object of the research is the violin concerto genre. The subject of the research is the performance peculiarities of the solo section of A.Arensky’s violin concerto. The author uses theoretical and empirical research methods including analysis, generalization, and systematization of scientific sources, as well as a comprehensive performance analysis of Arensky’s violin concerto. The author analyzes the functions of the soloist in various themes and episodes of the composition, formulates the methodic guidelines for the bow change and allocation and its movement speed, defines the technical and intonation difficulties of the violin section. Special attention is given to dash performance. The author is the first to find out that the performance values of the solo section are one of the keys to the successful performance. They create the melodic, smooth and plastic sound achieved by means of appropriate allocation of the bow, its smooth change, a good command of legato, and the creation of wide breath phrases. The performer has to take into account the performing ideals of the epoch when the composition was created, which to a large extent consist in pedagogical guidelines of L. Auer about the appropriate pressure of the forearm and the shoulder on the bow. Based on the performance analysis of the violin section, the author finds out that to create an artistic image of the composition, the performer needs to find an individual color palette of the violin section based on the performance ideals of the creation time of the composition.