Violin Concerto in A minor

This piece was written for the Simon Fraser University Chamber Orchestra (SFUCO). It is scored for a solo violinist, 3 violins, and a cello. I started composing it some time in the middle of summer 2010, as a keyboard reduction. As I have little knowledge of strings, this draft has gone through endless consultations from a few of my close friends who are string players themselves. So the reason why I am posting a draft here is both to share my music with you, but also to gain more insight from string players who may have suggestions on how the composition can be more idiomatic.

i. Allegro moderato
ii. Andante maestoso
iii. Rondeau: Allegretto risoluto

I have always wanted to compose something big in the Baroque style. Writing for strings is certainly a new and interesting experience for me, especially when I am writing for a non-standard ensemble. The reason for this is because SFUCO currently does not have any violists. The absence of the viola makes it challenging to voice chords in the middle register, but overcoming these challenges is part of the fun.