World-famous violinists: top-tier virtuosos you should hear at least once.
Among the instruments in an orchestra, the violin supports the ensemble and at times weaves threadlike melodic lines that add color to a piece’s structure.
In this article, we spotlight world-famous violinists.
“If it’s this performer, anyone would want to listen!”
We researched and carefully selected top-tier violinists with that kind of reputation.
Love the sound of the violin?
You might be one of those fans, too.
Alongside legendary classical performances, in recent years young YouTuber-violinists popular across generations have also been on the rise.
Once you listen, you’ll be captivated—guaranteed.
Enjoy!
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World-famous violinists: Top-tier violinists you should hear at least once (21–30)
Pazzini: Dance of the FairiesFujiki Shuuji
Shuji Fujiki is a violinist from Nagasaki Prefecture.
The piece “La Ronde des Lutins” (Dance of the Goblins) is a work by Antonio Bazzini for piano and violin, and it demands advanced violin technique.
The video shows scenes from the Shuji Fujiki Violin Recital.
Hello – EvanescenceNancy Webb
Here is a violinist with an unconventional background.
Nancy Webb is known for her performance of Monti’s Csárdás, but there is little detailed information about her debut year, hit recordings, or awards, making her something of a mysterious figure.
However, her publicly available YouTube video of Csárdás has surpassed 25 million views and received considerable recognition, suggesting that she may excel in classical music—particularly in pieces that demand virtuosic technique.
If you have a chance to hear Webb perform, you may be captivated by the ease with which she tackles technically challenging works.
Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy dazzling performances.
Violin Concerto in DArthur Grumiaux
Arthur Grumiaux, who performs every piece at a high level.
Like Itzhak Perlman, he is a “chameleon violinist.” He plays both Romantic and Baroque music superbly.
He is extremely famous as a soloist, and at the time listeners from around the world gathered to hear him perform.
Because each tone is evenly produced, he ranks among the very best in history when it comes to fast passages.
He has a vast repertoire as a violinist, so be sure to check him out!
Violin Concerto No.1David Oistrakh
David Oistrakh, known for his strikingly wide vibrato.
If you know anything about the violin, he’s a violinist you’ve likely heard of at least once.
If I had to sum up his playing in one word, it would be “rich.” His soaring high notes and gentle vibrato convey emotion directly, whether the piece is bright or dark.
He’s a legendary violinist who combines expressive power with technical mastery.
Although he was born in 1908, many of his recordings are vividly preserved, so if you’re curious, definitely dig into them.
Passacaglia g-mollReinhard Goebel
Here’s an introduction to a slightly lesser-known violinist.
That said, he’s only less known in Japan—worldwide, he’s quite famous.
A violinist with exceptional expressive power: Reinhard Goebel.
He excels most at darker pieces that demand deep expression.
He’s a German violinist, and Germany has many performers of his type.
His technique is also outstanding, so if you like darker repertoire, be sure to check him out!
Rimsky-Korsakov: Flight of the BumblebeeKatica Illényi
Katica Illényi is a violinist from Budapest, Hungary.
She is also an artist of the electronic instrument, the theremin.
The piece Flight of the Bumblebee is a work by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.
It is used in Act 3 of the opera The Tale of Tsar Saltan.
Massenet: Méditation from ThaïsClara Jumi
Clara-Jumi Kang is a German-Korean violinist.
The piece Méditation from Thaïs is an intermezzo between Scene 1 and Scene 2 of Act II of the opera Thaïs, composed by Jules Massenet.
Its sweet and beautiful melody is widely known.