In Shinozaki Violin Method Vol.2, the B flat major section starts on no.64.
There are two flats in B flat Major: B flat and E flat.
When I think of B flat Major, what comes up in my mind as violin works are Mozart Sonatas for keyboard and violin, k.378 and k.454. k.378 is called small B flat and k.454 is called Big B flat. Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 1 is also B flat.
I have not studied Sonata k.454 or Violin Concerto No. 1, but when I studied k.378, I had to learn how to accompany the piano part as a violinist. It was very difficult at the beginning, but I gained a lot and also it was a wonderful experience.
Beethoven’s piano trio “Archduke” is also in B flat Major. It was a long time ago when I studied this work, I and the cellist were playing too soft, in general, and the teacher who coached us said, “The legs of the table are missing!” I remember this comment so well as if it happened yesterday.
I have made various mistakes and have bitter experiences, and now here I am, still there are many things I need to learn. I like all the violin students (regardless of the age and experience) to move forward while enjoying every little step.
No.64, 65: scales in B flat major
Scales are very important. no.64 and 65 are the preparation of no.66 and no.67.
No.66 Bagdad Chief 1
François-Adrien Boieldieu (1775-1834) is a French composer. Even though he was a composer of Beethoven’s time, he is called Mozart in France, since he wrote many operas, like Mozart did.
Le calif de Bagdad is an opera work written in 1800, and No. 66 is one of the melodies of its Overture. It’s lyrical and beautiful. This opera doesn’t seem to be played much now, but the overture is sometimes played. This is in 6/8. I think everyone is getting used to this meter by now.
No. 67 Baghdad Chief 2
This also is the melody in the overture of the opera Le calif de Bagdad. It is in 4/4, Allegro which has a lively character and it contrasts greatly with the lyrical melody of No. 66, which has a 6/8 time signature. If you search on Youtube, this overture will appear, so you may like to try listening to it.
However, it is very fast when you hear the melody of no 67. So many students may feel “do I have to play it so fast? !” The answer is NO. You are not playing this as an orchestra member in an opera theater. Also, you’re still rather new to the violin, so let’s find a good lively tempo for you that you can play well, and enjoy the piece.
This Youtube channel provides many videos which can support your home practice of Suzuki Books, Shinozaki Violin Method, and more. If the video helps you in any way, please click the “like” button and subscribe to my channel. I look forward to working with you all 😊