When it comes to our musical lives, we violinists are social animals. Most of our repertoire requires collaborating with partners – whether pianists, orchestras, or quartet members. So when a composer bucks tradition and writes for solo violin, that’s special.
Explore
The violin has a reputation as one of the most difficult instruments in the world to play. But even so, certain works stand apart – pieces that have occupied the greatest players for entire careers; pieces that redefine what the
Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin are six of the most unusual works ever written for the instrument. They exemplify a number of contradictions. They are works of orchestral complexity – composed for completely unaccompanied violin. They are incredibly
In the long line of great Russian composers, Alexander Glazunov (1865-1936) occupies a curious place. Neither as fiery as Mussorgsky nor as emotionally raw as Tchaikovsky, Glazunov was a master of craft. His music radiates a refined elegance that blends
Recorded live in Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie on 28 March 2026, Klaas Stok leads the NDR Vokalensemble, Concerto Köln, and tenor Sebastian Kohlhepp in a concert performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s St John Passion. Composed in 1724 for Good Friday services in
