Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28 remains one of Saint-Saëns' most popular concert pieces for violin. Beginning with a pleading lament from the violin, the mood quickly changes to the sardonic, almost taunting first theme of the virtuosic rondo, as if to say "catch me if you can!"  Based extensively on scale and arpeggio passages, double-stops, and advanced bowings like the up-bow staccato stroke, the rondo works itself up into a final section full of technical brilliance, making it a great favorite with violinists and audiences alike!