Here we take a look at the top violinists of all time, who have attained a coveted status.
Yehudi Menuhin (1916 – 1999)
American-born violinist and conductor, whose violin playing oozed remarkable golden tones, and vibrant smoothness. It had the invigoration of youth mixed with a maturity of emotional expression. Above all, he seemed fearless with his playing.
Yehudi made his debut with the local symphony, at the age of seven, after only three years of violin study.. He made his Carnegie Hall debut three years later, in the Beethoven Violin Concerto (post which he was likened to Mozart as a prodigy)
Yehudi Menuhin with his 1733 Prince Khevenhuller Stradivarius. Menuhin received the violin when he was 12 years old (in 1929).
“He was the most celebrated infant prodigy in history, together with Mozart,” Bruno Monsaingeon
Menuhin began recording at an early age and continued to play in concerts, making a world tour of 73 cities during his 19th year.
However, in the end, he was burnt-out. He felt “tired, indifferent, and sad”.
“I groped all over the fingerboard like a blind mouse…. I played the violin without being prepared for violin playing,” wrote Menuhin in his autobiography, Unfinished Journey.
And sadly, in 1936, Menuhin underwent an 18-month sabbatical. And even though he resumed playing in 1938, he never came close to his sublime best of his preadolescent years.
- Menuhin Competition: Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition for violin players who’re below 22 years old.
- Yehudi Menuhin: the violinist who changed the world
Antonio Vivaldi (1678 – 1741)
Even if you are not into classical music, its very likely that you have heard the ‘Four Seasons’ somewhere. Concertos of this Italian Baroque musical composer still act as a training ground for most professionals of today.
Niccolò Paganini (1782 – 1840)
Niccolò Paganini was an Italian composer and violin virtuoso of the 19th century. Lots of compositions, legendary performances, and even a biopic has been made (starring David Garrett).
Paganini’s composition ’24 Caprices for Solo Violin Op.1′ is still appreciated for its complexity.
Paganini is also credited for popularizing several techniques that are considered standard today.
Itzhak Perlman (1945 – )
Israeli-American violinist, conductor, and music teacher, Itzhak Perlman is a hugely respected musician. He even played the violin for Schindler’s List theme, which was composed by by John Williams.
Violinists Who Blend Classical with Other Genres
Violinists who blend classical with other music genres . We all have seen a classical violinist, but can you imagine one as a hip-hop artist? Lets take a look at these Violin Crossover Artists.
Black Violin
Black Violin has two classically trained violinists who blend the sounds of jazz, hip-hop, funk and classical music.
Wilner “Wil B” Bapiste and Kevin “Kev Marcus” Sylvester are classically trained viola and violin players, are naturally cool, and have that unique ability to blend high brow and pop culture into a single genre-busting act.
After graduating college, the duo joined up as hip hop studio rats in South Florida, working with several different acts before returning to their classical roots. Since starting Black Violin, the duo have performed in several states and countries and work with several celebrity musicians..
The band is known for their ground breaking blend of classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and even bluegrass music. When playing live, they are often accompanied by their band featuring ace turntable whiz DJTK (Dwayne Dayal), drummer Beat Down (Jermaine McQueen) and cellist Joe Cello (Joseph Valbrun).
Useful Links
- Best Violin & Viola Stands
- Best violins and brands for students and experienced players
- Violin lessons: Learn to play the violin
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