Musical Pick-Me-Up 5
Speed Demons

In music, this has traditionally been the domain of the individual performing “personality”, and has usually been more of interest to those who play music. Nevertheless, many show-off pieces have become popular in the concert hall.

While traditionally the domain of the solo instrumentalist, with or without orchestra, several composers have been able to get the whole orchestra to show off.

Here are ten of the fastest:

1. Beethoven – String Quartet (no. 9) in C major, op.59, no.3, “Razumovsky no.3” – 4. Allegro molto
2. Chopin – Waltz in D-flat major, op.64, no.1, “Minute Waltz”
3. Gliere – The Red Poppy – Russian Sailor’s Dance
4. Hummel – Trumpet Concerto in E-flat major – 3. Allegro
5. Mendelssohn – A Midsummer Night’s Dream, op.61 – Scherzo: Allegro vivace
6. Mozart – Symphony no.35 in D major, K 385, “Haffner” – 4. Finale. Presto
7. Paganini – Moto Perpetuo, op.11
8. Prokofiev – Symphony No. 1 in D major, op.25, “Classical” – 4. Finale: Molto vivace
9. Ravel – String Quartet in f minor – 3. Assez vif - Très rythmé
10. Smetana – The Bartered Bride – Dance of the Comedians