Wieniawski, Henryk

Henryk Wieniawski (10 July 1835 – 31 March 1880) was a brilliant violinist, composer, and pedagogue from Poland who is widely considered one of the finest violinists of all time. Józef Wieniawski, his younger brother, and Adam Tadeusz Wieniawski, his nephew, were outstanding musicians. Henryk's gift for the violin was recognized early on, and he was accepted into the Paris Conservatoire, where he was trained by Lambert Massart in 1843, even though he was not French and was only eight years old. He studied at the Conservatoire from 1843 to 1846 and then returned in 1849 for another year. After graduation, he went on to tour extensively and give several recitals, often with his brother Józef on piano. His first opus, a Grand Caprice Fantastique, was released in 1847, marking the beginning of a catalog of 24 opus numbers. When his parents objected to his engagement to Isabella Hampton, Wieniawski composed Légende, Op. 17; this work persuaded her parents to alter their minds, and the couple married in 1860.

At Anton Rubinstein's invitation, Wieniawski moved to St. Petersburg, where he taught many violin pupils and led the Russian Musical Society's orchestra and a string quartet from 1860 to 1872. Wieniawski toured the United States with Rubinstein from 1872 to 1874. In 1875, Wieniawski took over as violin professor at the Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles, replacing Henri Vieuxtemps. Henryk Wieniawski was a gifted musician who composed several noteworthy violin pieces, including two technically challenging violin concertos. The second (in D minor, 1862) is more frequently performed than the first (in F-sharp minor, 1853). His L'École moderne: 10 Études-Caprices is a well-known piece for aspiring violinists, as it is the oldest collection of etudes still performed that are more challenging than Paganini's Caprices. Polonaise Brillante, Op. 4, Scherzo-Tarantelle, Op. 16, and Légende, Op. 17 are among his most popular compositions. He also composed several mazurkas for violin and piano (including the well-known Obertass in G major), employing left-hand pizzicato, harmonics, giant leaps, and double stops. Wieniawski received numerous posthumous awards. In 1952 and 1957, his portrait was featured on a Polish postage stamp. In 1979, a 100 zloty coin with his likeness was produced. The "Russian bow hold" is also known as the "Wieniawski bow hold" since Wieniawski taught his students an extremely tight bowing technique (similar to the Russian bow hold) that allowed him to play what he dubbed a "devil's staccato" with ease. Students' approach was disciplined with this "devil's staccato." In 1935, the first violin competition named after Wieniawski was held in Warsaw. Ginette Neveu won first place, followed by David Oistrakh and Henri Temianka. Since 1952, the International Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition has occurred every five years.

Violin Compositions of Henryk Wieniawski | Animato Strings

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Wieniawski, Scherzo - Tarentelle Op 16 Violin/Piano (Fisher)

Discover Wieniawski’s Scherzo-Tarantelle Op. 16 for Violin and Piano, edited by Theodore Spiering and published by Carl Fischer. This energetic showpiece features a solo violin part and piano reduction in clear standard notation, ideal for advanced study or performance.

Key Features:

• Carl Fischer edition, edited by Spiering

• Solo violin part and piano reduction

• Lively, virtuosic character

• Standard classical notation

$19.95

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Wieniawksi, Fantaisie Brillante For Violin and Piano ( PWM)

Discover Wieniawski’s Fantaisie brillante Op. 20 for Violin and Piano—a brilliant concert work based on themes from Gounod’s Faust. Written in 1865 and published in both Paris and Leipzig, this piece combines expressive melodies with dazzling violin technique and a rich piano reduction.

Key Features:

• Based on Gounod’s Faust

• Op. 20 for violin and piano

• Composed in 1865

• Published by Choudens and Kistner

• Ideal for advanced performance

$26.50

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Wieniawski's Kuyawiak is a beautiful Polish dance-inspired work for violin and piano, featuring expressive melodies and elegant rhythmic character. This edition, published by Editio Musica Budapest and edited by J. Bloch, is ideal for study, recital, and performance.

Key Features:

• Composed by Henryk Wieniawski

• For violin and piano accompaniment

• Published by Editio Musica Budapest

• Edited by J. Bloch

• Inspired by the traditional Polish Kujawiak dance

• Expressive and lyrical repertoire piece

• Suitable for intermediate to advanced players

• Ideal for recitals and performance use

$25.95

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Wieniawski Lecole Moderne Op. 10 For Violin (Peters)

Wieniawski's L'École Moderne, Op. 10 is a renowned collection of advanced violin études that combines technical mastery with musical expression. Published by Edition Peters, it remains an essential resource for serious violin students and professional musicians.

Key Features:

• Composed by Henryk Wieniawski

• Advanced violin études and studies

• Published by Edition Peters

• Develops technique and musicality

• Covers shifting, double stops, and harmonics

• Improves bow control and finger dexterity

• Widely used in advanced violin training.

• Suitable for conservatory students and professionals

$33.95

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Wieniawski Legende For Violin Opus 17 (Schott)

Wieniawski's Légende, Op. 17 is a beautiful and expressive Romantic masterpiece for violin and piano. Published by Schott Music and edited by August Wilhelmj, this edition features a piano reduction and is ideal for recital, examination, and concert performance.

Key Features:

• Composed by Henryk Wieniawski

• Includes Légende, Op. 17

• For violin with piano reduction

• Published by Schott Music

• Edited by August Wilhelmj

• Expressive Romantic repertoire work

• Develops musicality and lyrical playing

• Suitable for advanced violinists

• Ideal for recitals and performance use

$21.95

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Wieniawski Obertass For Violin (Schott) 13

Wieniawski's Obertass, Op. 19 is a lively and virtuosic violin showpiece inspired by the traditional Polish Oberek dance. Published by Schott Music, this exciting work combines dazzling technique, energetic rhythms, and memorable melodies, making it a favourite recital and concert piece.

Key Features:

• Composed by Henryk Wieniawski

• Includes Obertass, Op. 19

• Published by Schott Music

• Inspired by the Polish Oberek dance

• Brilliant and energetic concert work

• Develops advanced violin technique

• Ideal for recitals and competitions

• Suitable for advanced and professional players

• A staple of the Romantic violin repertoire

$12.05

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Wieniawski Polonaise Brillante Op. 21 For Violin (IMC)

Wieniawski's Polonaise Brillante, Op. 21 is a brilliant Romantic showpiece that combines elegant Polish dance rhythms with virtuosic violin writing. Published by International Music Company, this popular work is a favourite for recitals, competitions, and concert performances.

Key Features:

• Composed by Henryk Wieniawski

• Includes Polonaise Brillante, Op. 21

• Published by International Music Company

• Inspired by the traditional Polish polonaise

• Brilliant and expressive concert work

• Develops advanced violin technique

• Ideal for recitals and competitions

• Suitable for advanced and professional players

• A classic of the Romantic violin repertoire

$34.95