[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 Timeless and Beloved Classical Masterpieces and Popular Pieces (61–70)
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.
Caprice BasquePablo de Sarasate
Although Sarasate is best known for Zigeunerweisen and Carmen Fantasy, he composed many other violin pieces as well.
Among them, this piece is frequently performed by renowned violinists.
It also demands left-hand technique, allowing listeners to enjoy timbres not usually heard.
Even just listening, it feels remarkably fresh.
12 FantasiesGeorg Philipp Telemann
Georg Philipp Telemann, the most popular composer of the German Baroque era.
His Twelve Fantasias for Unaccompanied Violin thoroughly employ a wide range of violin techniques, presenting twelve fantasias in four-movement structures that interweave slow and fast sections.
Each piece is fashioned into a captivating work rich in invention and variety.
It highlights the beauty of Baroque music, leaving a refreshing impression while allowing performers to fully display their technical prowess.
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 Concerto No. 22Giovanni Battista Viotti
Giovanni Battista Viotti left an indelible mark on the history of classical music.
Born in Italy in 1755, he later flourished across Europe as a violinist and composer.
His Concerto in A minor, one of his signature works, is a gem that bridges the galant style and Romanticism.
Its blend of delicate melodies and powerful passages resonates deeply with listeners.
Viotti’s influence, passed down through his pupils, had a profound impact on later violin performance.
It’s a highly recommended piece for anyone wishing to experience the allure of classical music.
Sonatina, Op. 100Antonín Dvořák
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.
Violin Sonata in D majorJean-Marie Leclair
Because Leclair composed several pieces featuring the violin, he is known only among violinists.
While making use of double stops to weave a divine melody, he somehow ends the piece with a subtitle of “Tambourine,” bringing it to a close in the style of a folk dance.
Joy of LoveFritz Kreisler
Fritz Kreisler, the world-renowned violinist from Austria, reigned as a top-tier performer until Jascha Heifetz appeared.
In addition to his activities as a virtuoso, he also left behind numerous masterpieces as a composer.
Among them, Liebesfreud (Joy of Love) is one of his most popular works, featuring an approachable melody imbued with elements of the Viennese waltz.
Be sure to give it a listen.
Beautiful RosemaryFritz Kreisler
Often presented as part of the trilogy for violin and piano by Fritz Kreisler—alongside Liebesfreud (Love’s Joy) and Liebesleid (Love’s Sorrow)—Schön Rosmarin is a frequent favorite.
Kreisler himself loved to perform these three pieces as encores, and many performers still include them as encore selections in modern concerts.
Unfolding in 3/4 time, Schön Rosmarin, like the other two works, features an elegant and graceful melody that is pleasing to the ear, and its piano arrangement is sometimes used as music for ballet class.
Recordings of Kreisler’s own performances also survive, so those interested might enjoy seeking them out on CD or vinyl.
Ballades and PolonaisesHenri Vieuxtemps
Vieuxtemps was a Belgian composer and violinist active in the 19th century.
An important musician who laid the foundations of today’s Franco-Belgian school, he wrote many violin pieces for his own performances.
He was one of the virtuosos—like Liszt—who reached a masterful level through exceptional performance technique and ability.
In his Ballade and Polonaise as well, a wide array of uniquely violinistic techniques are employed, making it a striking piece with many showpieces.
It is a memorable work featuring a gentle melody and a lively rhythm.