My Favorite Classical Violin Pieces: A Symphony of Strains and Dreams

Finding a list of favorite classical violin pieces to share can be a daunting task, especially when one considers the vast and expansive repertoire available. However, I will endeavor to create a comprehensive and enjoyable list, divided into pieces I enjoy playing and those I wish to master at some point.

Pieces That I Have Played

Over the years, there have been several pieces that I have had the pleasure of performing. Here are some noteworthy ones:

Brahms: Violin Concerto: Currently working on it. Brahms: Violin Sonata No. 1: Enriching every session with it. Korngold: Violin Concerto: A piece of timeless beauty. Wieniawski: Faust Fantasy: Deeply enthralling to perform. Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen: Full of vivacious and energetic fever. Waxman: Carmen Fantasy: A mesmerizing blend of melody and emotion. Bruch Scottish Fantasy: Poignant and powerful. Bruch Violin Concerto: For the second movement alone, a treat to perform.

Pieces I Would Love to Play at Some Point

While I have enjoyed performing the aforementioned pieces, here are some others that I yearn to explore:

Chausson: Poème: A piece I've aspired to master. Brahms: Violin Sonata No. 3: A work I've always admired and wish to play. Debussy: Clair de Lune: A beautiful and delicate piece that holds a special place in my heart. Walton: Violin Concerto: A hauntingly beautiful and powerful composition. Ysa?e: Sonata No. 3 and 6: Complex and highly regarded. Prokofiev: Violin Sonata No. 1: One of my most cherished pieces.

The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams

This particular piece is what I would call a piece that I was destined to play. The The Lark Ascending, by Ralph Vaughan Williams, is a gem in the classical repertoire. It's a rare piece that I can relate to deeply, and which I can see myself playing for a long time to come.

Initially, the piece is introduced with a lib. theme that I always imagine as a lark, soaring freely on the wind, its wings catching the light as it travels above the landscape. The orchestra then enters, representing a family of larks, flying more in unison, perhaps representing the gathering together of the larks.

`cadenza` is a recurring element, representing the lark's peaceful solitude before returning to the fray. The second movement, marked by letter 'G', features a second theme that I think of as the lark doing more ordinary, more necessary things, like hunting for food, which is a personal and whimsical thought, a bit of flight of fancy in the composition.

Each cadenza concludes the piece with the lark flying across the horizon, vanishing behind the hills, enveloped in the glowing light of the setting sun. It is a moment of profound beauty and introspection, capturing the essence of the natural world and the freedom of the lark.

Enjoying the Music

Among many interpretations, you'll find Janine Jansen's rendition of The Lark Ascending as one of the most beautiful and moving. Another favorite is performed by Julia Fischer, who brings a sense of passion and virtuosity to the piece, and Hilary Hahn, whose interpretation is both intimate and passionate. Each brings their unique touch to this masterpiece, making it a timeless favorite.

I hope this collection of pieces evokes as much joy and wonder for you as it does for me. Enjoy the music and the journey of exploration it represents.