K.216 · I — the first solo: the theme
The orchestra has just finished the opening. Now, forte, you enter with the theme — the same tune, yours. This is the "Solo" moment.
These first bars are your entrance. One bar at a time.
Bar 1 — the theme
How to play it
Beat 1 rolls a G-major chord — a fast controlled sweep up through D and B, landing on the G, with an up-bow from the middle toward the frog. Land and vibrate on that G. Then the shake to F♯ and back is the next finger down, a half step, light and even. First position here puts the G on the E string (2nd finger back); most soloists — Hahn included — play it in third position on the A string for a warmer, easier vibrato.
Bar 2 — the answer, a step lower
How to play it
Cross down to the A string. A tiny grace note (E) flicks into D — 4th finger brushing 3rd. Then the same figure as bar 1, a step lower: hold D (3rd finger), shake to C♯ (high 2) and back. Match the bow to bar 1 exactly — this is the echo.
Bar 3 — the turn, with a trill
How to play it
Still on the A string. C down to B, hold B, then a short trill on C (2nd finger trilling to D and back — just a flick, this is a Classical trill, not a long one), and a quick scale up C–D–E to the top of the hand. Keep it light; the phrase is winding down.
Bar 4 — settle
How to play it
Cross down to the D string: G (3rd finger) slurred down to F♯ (high 2), then F♯ held for a beat. A soft landing — let the bow slow into it. Then stop cleanly and count the two rest beats.