Top 5 Violin Showpieces

Violin showpieces are the pieces which are at the limit of violin technique. They are difficult, flashy, and impressive. Here’s my list of the top five violin showpieces.

Paganini – Caprice 24

Paganini‘s 24 Caprices are some of the most difficult for the violin, and being able to play any of them is a great accomplishment. However, the 24th Caprice is by far the most famous, and most difficult. Based upon a Theme and Variations model, this caprice employs many of the most difficult violin techniques in a musically solid base. This video is of Hillary Hahn performing this Caprice.

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Sarasate Zigeunerweisen

The first of three Sarasate entries, Zigeunerweisen is a brilliant piece based on the themes of Roma gypsies and csárdás.
This is a video of Sarah Chang performing this piece.

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Sarasate Carmen Fantasy

Sarasate arranged Berlioz’ Carmen Suites into a Violin Fantasy. It’s an incredible show piece, that has all the popular melodies, performed with astounding technical prowess. Here’s Anne-Sophie Mutter performing it.

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Sarasate Spanish Dances

Sarasate’s spanish dances are incredible. There’s a number of them, and they’re all brilliant. I’m sharing Yehudi Menuhin playing the Malaguena by Sarasate.

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Weiniawski Scherzo Tarantelle

This is a briliant piece by Weiniawski, that is an incredibly fast and requires incredible co-ordination. Here’s Menuhin performing what seems to be an even faster version than most that I’ve listened to.

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Hilary Hahn – In 27 Pieces – Violin showpieces for today

In 2013, violinist Hilary Hahn commissioned 27 composers to write new encore pieces for the violin – shorter pieces that expand a violinists education and repertoire. The result is a collection of vastly different and exciting pieces that will be a valuable resource for years to come.

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There’s my favourite Violin Showpieces, what’s yours?