[Violin] A curated selection of beloved classic masterpieces and popular pieces that continue to be cherished across eras
The violin, an instrument beloved since the Baroque era—the very roots of classical music.
At times graceful, at times passionately expressive, the violin’s richly nuanced tone continues to soothe our hearts.
In this article, we introduce classical masterpieces that let you fully enjoy the charm of the violin, adored both as a solo instrument and as the star of orchestras and ensembles.
We’ll also share tidbits about the historical context of their composition and the composers themselves, so even newcomers to classical music can enjoy with ease!
- [Masterpiece Classics] A special showcase of gem-like masterpieces so beautiful they’ll move you to tears
- Cool classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.
- Timelessly beautiful classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.
- [Quartet] Masterpieces and Popular Pieces for String Quartet
- A poignant classic masterpiece. Recommended classical music.
- Classical Masterpieces: Recommended Works You Should Hear at Least Once
- Masterpieces of Ballet Music: Introducing Classic Favorites
- [Orchestra] Introducing famous and popular pieces
- Mendelssohn’s Masterpieces | Popular Classical Music
- Brahms's masterpieces. Popular classical music.
- Taro Hakase’s famous and popular songs
- Cello Masterpieces: A comprehensive introduction to exquisite classical works that let you savor its profound timbre
- Elgar’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.
[Violin] Carefully Selected Timeless and Beloved Classical Masterpieces and Popular Pieces (31–40)
Sorrow of LoveFritz Kreisler
Liebesleid (Love’s Sorrow), by the world-renowned Austrian violinist and composer Fritz Kreisler, forms a pair with his Liebesfreud (Love’s Joy), and together with Schön Rosmarin (Beautiful Rosemary) is sometimes referred to as a trilogy for violin and piano.
Set in a calm triple meter, the violin weaves an elegant yet faintly melancholic melody—truly beautiful to hear.
A famous version arranged for solo piano by the eminent Russian pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff, who was acquainted with Kreisler, also exists.
The piece appears as well in the popular manga Your Lie in April, so if you’re interested, be sure to check it out.
Violin ConcertoCamille Saint-Saëns
Saint-Saëns is known as the composer of works such as The Carnival of the Animals, but he also appears to have been gifted in other areas, including organ performance, astronomy, mathematics, and painting.
This concerto remains popular today as a piece that every student is sure to play at least once.
Memories of a Nostalgic Land · Overture 42 · TH116: III. MelodyPyotr Tchaikovsky
This is a collection of short pieces for violin and piano composed by Tchaikovsky between March and May of 1878.
In Japanese, it is titled “Souvenir of a Beloved Place.” It consists of three pieces, and this piece is the third, “Melodie.” Its calm and beautiful melody gives the feeling of nostalgically recalling one’s homeland, doesn’t it?
Fantasy BalletCharles-Auguste de Bériot
Bériot, the violin professor under whom Vieuxtemps studied, composed numerous violin pieces, but unfortunately his name never became widely known.
Among them, this particular piece has been cherished by violinists almost like an etude, and it is crafted with delicate detail to depict twelve different ballets being danced.
Moses FantasiaNiccolò Paganini
Niccolò Paganini, an Italian composer who had a profound influence on later violinists, earned fame through his overwhelming virtuosity on the violin Il Cannone, an instrument now of exceptional value.
Among his orchestral works is the Moses Fantasy.
It features the violin’s many expressive colors paired with a rhythmic piano, and is marked by a brightly expansive melody.
Take your time to savor the uniquely Paganinian technical violin techniques throughout.
[Violin] Carefully Selected Classic Masterpieces and Popular Pieces Loved Across the Ages (41–50)
Rhapsody in the Style of a Concerto for Violin and OrchestraIfukube Akira
This is an ambitious work completed in 1948 by Akira Ifukube, one of Japan’s leading composers.
Ifukube conceived the piece during his prewar years in Sapporo, and after numerous revisions, the current version was finalized in 1971.
Written in a style close to gypsy violin and composed with an Asian sensibility, it skillfully expresses the fusion of Japanese ethnic character and Western music.
Structured in two movements—the melodic first movement and the rhythmic second—its virtuosic violin writing captivates listeners.
It is highly recommended for those interested in folk music or wishing to explore the appeal of Japanese classical music.
Scherzo-TarantellaHenryk Wieniawski
Wieniawski was a Polish-born violinist who represents the 19th century.
As a virtuoso himself, the pieces he composed invariably demand extremely advanced technique.
His Scherzo-Tarantella is also imbued with dazzling violin virtuosity.
At the opening, the piano presents the rhythm of the tarantella—a fast-tempo dance from Naples, Italy—in octaves, after which the violin makes a brilliant entrance.
Combining techniques such as double stops and harmonics, this piece is packed with opportunities for the violinist to showcase their prowess.