Legends of the Violin in the 20th Century: Essential Performances
The 20th century was a golden era for classical music, and the violin stood out as one of the most versatile and expressive instruments. Throughout this period, several violin masters left an indelible legacy with their performances.
If you are a classical music enthusiast or simply want to discover some of the greatest violinists in history, here is a list of 10 violinists you must listen to.
Jascha Heifetz (1901-1987)
Considered one of the most influential violinists of all time, Heifetz took virtuosity to an entirely new level. His flawless technique and mastery of tone make him a benchmark for all violinists. His performances of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto and Sibelius’ Violin Concerto remain unparalleled.
Heifetz made his U.S. debut at just 16 years old, performing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major at Carnegie Hall.
Erica Morini (1904-1995)
Erica Morini was known for her elegant style and pure tone. Though she didn’t always receive the recognition she deserved, her recordings are considered gems of the violin repertoire. She played a Stradivarius violin known as the Davidoff, which was stolen shortly before her death.
The theft of Morini’s Stradivarius violin was one of the greatest art crimes of the 20th century and remains unsolved.
David Oistrakh (1908-1974)
With his warm tone and profound interpretation, David Oistrakh was a key figure in the performance of 20th-century works, such as the Shostakovich and Prokofiev violin concertos. His style balanced flawless technique with genuine emotion, making him a favorite among both critics and audiences.
Oistrakh was an avid chess player and often played to relax before concerts.
Yehudi Menuhin (1916-1999)
Yehudi Menuhin was not only a violin virtuoso but also a pioneer who expanded the boundaries of the classical repertoire. His collaboration with sitarist Ravi Shankar was a testament to his musical curiosity. Menuhin was a passionate advocate for peace and music education, and his legacy as a humanist endures.
Menuhin made his debut at age 7 with the San Francisco Symphony, performing Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor.
Ginette Neveu (1919-1949)
Despite her premature death, Ginette Neveu left an indelible mark on the history of the violin. She won the Wieniawski Competition at just 15 years old, surpassing David Oistrakh, and her recording of Sibelius’ Violin Concerto remains a benchmark.
Neveu died in a plane crash alongside her brother in 1949, cutting short what was shaping up to be one of the most promising careers of the century.
Isaac Stern (1920-2001)
Isaac Stern was a tireless advocate for the arts and a mentor to young musicians. Beyond his virtuosity, he played a crucial role in saving Carnegie Hall from demolition, an act that underscores his deep commitment to music and culture. Stern is remembered for his expressive style and robust tone.
He was also the first American violinist to perform in China after the Cultural Revolution.
Ida Haendel (1928-2020)
With a career spanning over seven decades, Ida Haendel was one of the most important violinists of the 20th century. Her performances, especially of Sibelius and Brahms, are acclaimed for their emotional depth and precise technique.
Haendel was one of the first women to gain international recognition as a solo violinist.
Itzhak Perlman (1945- )
Itzhak Perlman is known not only for his brilliant technique but also for his ability to connect with audiences. Despite the challenges posed by polio, Perlman has sustained a remarkable career, performing on the world’s most prestigious stages. His recordings of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms are considered exemplary.
Perlman collaborated with John Williams on the soundtrack for Schindler’s List, which earned Williams an Academy Award.
Anne-Sophie Mutter (1963- )
One of the most important violinists of the 20th and 21st centuries, Anne-Sophie Mutter has dedicated her career to both classical repertoire and contemporary music. She is known for her musical sensitivity and virtuosity, which have placed her among the greatest violin performers.
Mutter was discovered at age 13 by conductor Herbert von Karajan, with whom she made her debut with the Berlin Philharmonic.
Midori Goto (1971- )
Midori is one of the most respected and beloved violinists of the 21st century. Making her debut with the New York Philharmonic at just 11 years old, she has been a prodigy from a young age. Beyond her incredible technique, Midori has dedicated much of her life to music education and philanthropy.
In 2007, Midori was named one of the “100 Living Geniuses” by the organization Creators Synectics.
Violins and Violas for Sale
Legends of the Violin in the 20th Century: Essential Performances
The 20th century was a golden era for classical music, and the violin stood out as one of the most versatile and expressive instruments. Throughout this period, several violin masters left an indelible legacy with their performances.
If you are a classical music enthusiast or simply want to discover some of the greatest violinists in history, here is a list of 10 violinists you must listen to.
Jascha Heifetz (1901-1987)
Considered one of the most influential violinists of all time, Heifetz took virtuosity to an entirely new level. His flawless technique and mastery of tone make him a benchmark for all violinists. His performances of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto and Sibelius’ Violin Concerto remain unparalleled.
Heifetz made his U.S. debut at just 16 years old, performing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major at Carnegie Hall.
Erica Morini (1904-1995)
Erica Morini was known for her elegant style and pure tone. Though she didn’t always receive the recognition she deserved, her recordings are considered gems of the violin repertoire. She played a Stradivarius violin known as the Davidoff, which was stolen shortly before her death.
The theft of Morini’s Stradivarius violin was one of the greatest art crimes of the 20th century and remains unsolved.
David Oistrakh (1908-1974)
With his warm tone and profound interpretation, David Oistrakh was a key figure in the performance of 20th-century works, such as the Shostakovich and Prokofiev violin concertos. His style balanced flawless technique with genuine emotion, making him a favorite among both critics and audiences.
Oistrakh was an avid chess player and often played to relax before concerts.
Yehudi Menuhin (1916-1999)
Yehudi Menuhin was not only a violin virtuoso but also a pioneer who expanded the boundaries of the classical repertoire. His collaboration with sitarist Ravi Shankar was a testament to his musical curiosity. Menuhin was a passionate advocate for peace and music education, and his legacy as a humanist endures.
Menuhin made his debut at age 7 with the San Francisco Symphony, performing Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor.
Ginette Neveu (1919-1949)
Despite her premature death, Ginette Neveu left an indelible mark on the history of the violin. She won the Wieniawski Competition at just 15 years old, surpassing David Oistrakh, and her recording of Sibelius’ Violin Concerto remains a benchmark.
Neveu died in a plane crash alongside her brother in 1949, cutting short what was shaping up to be one of the most promising careers of the century.
Isaac Stern (1920-2001)
Isaac Stern was a tireless advocate for the arts and a mentor to young musicians. Beyond his virtuosity, he played a crucial role in saving Carnegie Hall from demolition, an act that underscores his deep commitment to music and culture. Stern is remembered for his expressive style and robust tone.
He was also the first American violinist to perform in China after the Cultural Revolution.
Ida Haendel (1928-2020)
With a career spanning over seven decades, Ida Haendel was one of the most important violinists of the 20th century. Her performances, especially of Sibelius and Brahms, are acclaimed for their emotional depth and precise technique.
Haendel was one of the first women to gain international recognition as a solo violinist.
Itzhak Perlman (1945- )
Itzhak Perlman is known not only for his brilliant technique but also for his ability to connect with audiences. Despite the challenges posed by polio, Perlman has sustained a remarkable career, performing on the world’s most prestigious stages. His recordings of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms are considered exemplary.
Perlman collaborated with John Williams on the soundtrack for Schindler’s List, which earned Williams an Academy Award.
Anne-Sophie Mutter (1963- )
One of the most important violinists of the 20th and 21st centuries, Anne-Sophie Mutter has dedicated her career to both classical repertoire and contemporary music. She is known for her musical sensitivity and virtuosity, which have placed her among the greatest violin performers.
Mutter was discovered at age 13 by conductor Herbert von Karajan, with whom she made her debut with the Berlin Philharmonic.
Midori Goto (1971- )
Midori is one of the most respected and beloved violinists of the 21st century. Making her debut with the New York Philharmonic at just 11 years old, she has been a prodigy from a young age. Beyond her incredible technique, Midori has dedicated much of her life to music education and philanthropy.
In 2007, Midori was named one of the “100 Living Geniuses” by the organization Creators Synectics.