Expose your students to the lush melodies, chromaticism, and technical challenges of Sergei Rachmaninoff. His second symphony is one of his most beloved works, and the second movement contains all these wonderful elements listed above.
The parts contain chromaticism, long bows, and spiccato passages. The range of the first violin extends to fourth position while the second violin and viola do not go beyond third position. The chromatic fingerings, rhythm, and bow control make this a challenging arrangement, but well worth the effort. The piece is five minutes in length.