[Violin] A curated selection of beloved classic masterpieces and popular pieces that continue to be cherished across eras

Melancholy SerenadePyotr Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky – Serenade Melancolique

One of Tchaikovsky’s few short pieces for violin.

The wistful, lingering rhythm recurs throughout the piece, giving the impression that it was composed on the basis of Russian folk songs.

It is most often performed with piano accompaniment, but in an orchestral arrangement it feels as if the scenery unfolds before your eyes.

Violin Sonata No. 21 in E minor, K. 304Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart Violin Sonata K.301 Hilary Hahn & Natalie Zhu

Among Mozart’s violin sonatas, this is one that is performed fairly often.

It was composed while Mozart was traveling with his mother in Mannheim, so its structure reflects a relatively early style.

At that time, the violin-centered sonata had not yet been fully established; it tended to be more piano-centered, so it can also be regarded as a piano solo piece.

Like a melodyJohannes Brahms

Brahms: "As if it were melody" — from the album "Poésie: Playing Poetry (Song)"

This work, set to a poem by Klaus Groth, a friend of Johannes Brahms, is characterized by a warmly embracing quality.

The wide intervals within the phrases and skillful modulations lend the piece delicacy and depth.

Its melody, deeply intertwined with the poem’s content, conveys an attempt to express emotions and thoughts beyond words through the power of music.

Beginning with broad, arpeggiated progressions and unfolding into long-breathed, beautiful melodic lines, this piece is recommended for those who wish to explore the deepest emotions of the heart through music.

Composed in 1886 and published in 1888, this song, written when Brahms was 53, has continued to be cherished by many performers and audiences.

Concerto for Four ViolinsAntonio Vivaldi

Vivaldi: Concerto in B minor RV.580, for four violins – Pham/Gjezi/Darmon/Tudorache – OCNE/Krauze

This is a concerto by the Baroque composer Vivaldi, famous for works like The Four Seasons.

The overlapping melodies of the four soloists are exquisitely beautiful and make you lose track of time.

Johann Sebastian Bach’s harpsichord arrangement from the same era is also a must-hear.

Sonatina, Op. 100Antonín Dvořák

Pavel SPORCL – Dvorak Sonatina op.100

Dvořák was a Bohemian-born composer active in the 19th century.

He showed musical talent from an early age and played the violin at his father’s inn and in the village dance band from a young age.

It is said that he composed this piece to cultivate the musical abilities of his beloved 15-year-old daughter and his 10-year-old son, Toník.

The melodic themes are based on Native American songs and African American spirituals, and the piece is characterized by syncopated rhythms and the pentatonic five-note scale.

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Violin Sonata in E minorFrancesco Maria Veracini

Concerto Sonata in E minor (Veracini)

This composer wrote violin sonatas around the same time as Vivaldi, but is known only among students who are learning the violin.

While much Baroque music tends to emphasize virtuosity, this piece places greater importance on tone quality and ensemble interplay with the accompaniment.

Violin Sonata No. 5, Op. 1 No. 14Georg Friedrich Händel

Handel Violin Sonata No.2 in G minor, op.1-10

Most of Handel’s violin sonatas are in major keys, but among the minor-key works, this sonata is well known.

It lends itself readily to arrangement, yet it is filled with passages that demand right-hand technique and it is difficult to intonate.

Conversely, it is a piece that feels very rewarding to tackle.