In this featured lesson segment, Benjamin Beilman explores the opening of Saint Saëns Violin Concerto No. 3 with remarkable clarity.
Rather than focusing only on technique, he invites you to ask bigger questions about structure, phrasing, and character:
Why does the concerto feel so connected to Mendelssohn? What does forte really mean in this context? And how do you shape the first 30 bars into one cohesive musical statement?
Beilman also breaks down the emotional difference between various shifts — fifths, octaves, tenths — and shows how vibrato choice, bow timing, and left-hand freedom all contribute to a convincing interpretation. His approach balances virtuosity with refinement, helping you build reliability without losing expressive danger.
Watch this lesson segment to begin rethinking how you approach this cornerstone of the Romantic violin repertoire!
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