[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!
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[Violin] Carefully Selected Classic Masterpieces and Popular Pieces Loved Across the Ages (41–50)
Hora StaccatoGrigoraş Dinicu
Grigoraș Dinicu, a Romanian composer renowned in the realm of contemporary classical music, is best known for works primarily written for violin and piano.
His consistent musicality has been highly acclaimed over many years.
Among his pieces, Hora Staccato is especially famous—a lively, brisk, and cheerful composition that has won wide popularity.
Violin Sonata No. 2Sergei Prokofiev
Prokofiev, one of the representative composers of 20th-century Russia and the Soviet Union, is well known for the suite Romeo and Juliet.
Many of his works combine a distinctive modernism with lyricism.
This piece was arranged for violin and piano at the suggestion of the violinist David Oistrakh, who heard the premiere of Prokofiev’s Flute Sonata in D major.
While it has a unique atmosphere, it is relatively bright and straightforward compared to his other works, and has gained wide popularity.
Overture and Tarantella, Op. 43Pablo de Sarasate
Spanish composer Pablo de Sarasate was a prodigious violinist who made his debut at the age of eight.
Overture and Tarantella moves from a leisurely, elegant overture into a lively tarantella in 6/8 time, the traditional dance of Naples, Italy.
It’s a celebrated piece that lets you revel in the violin’s beautiful tone as well as in fiery, dazzling virtuosity.
You can almost feel the sun-drenched atmospheres of Spain and Naples.
Sonata in a minor for Violin and Piano: Allegro ben moderatoCésar Franck
The first movement of the Violin Sonata composed by Franck in 1886.
Franck was a composer and organist active in France in the 19th century.
Written in sonata form without a development section, its opening on a dominant ninth chord rather than the tonic is highly striking.
The piece offers showcase moments for both violin and piano.
Within its melancholic calm, flashes of intensity and passion occasionally emerge, making it a compelling work to listen to.
Violin Sonata “The Devil’s Trill”Giuseppe Tartini
A piece composed based on a dream Tartini himself had while sleeping.
Apparently, in the dream, the devil was playing the violin—and kept sounding trills over and over.
As a result, the second movement features rapid trills, and the third movement introduces double trills, which greatly heighten the excitement of the piece.
Air on the G StringJ.S.Bach
Among classical music, the masterpiece “Air on the G String” ranks among the most renowned.
This title is a popular nickname: the piece beloved around the world as “Air on the G String” is actually an arrangement for violin and piano by the German violinist August Wilhelmj, based on the second movement, “Air,” from Bach’s Orchestral Suite No.
3 in D major, BWV 1068.
With its gentle progression and exquisite harmonies, this Baroque gem exudes an air of refinement and grace.
Even without any technical knowledge, anyone can appreciate the work’s timeless and imperishable beauty.
Violin Concerto No. 3Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
From here, I will introduce three of Mozart’s violin concertos.
The Third Concerto was Mozart’s first hit among his violin concertos and seems to have been well received by audiences of the time.
The first movement borrows material from one of Mozart’s own operas and is characterized by a brilliant, festive impression.