Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso - Technique

Technique

Saint-Saëns intimate knowledge of violin technique is obvious in the Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso. Most importantly, his choice of key allows the soloist to use harmonics on the tonic, dominant, and dominant of the dominant to bring brightness and color to the fast paced sea of notes as well as allowing the soloist to easily jump octaves for added flavor and texture. The use of range as well shows off the violin’s capabilities. The melancholic introduction remains in a darker low range while the brighter coda stays on the E string for nearly the entire 32 bars. Also, the use of repeated staccato up bows implies that this piece was meant to be a show piece, showcasing both the instrument and the performer. Finally, the two most emotionally intense passages employ the use of multiple strings, emphasizing the power and harmony of the music.