This collection presents solo violin/fiddle arrangements from the Maggie's Music CD Early American Roots by the Hesperus Early Music Ensemble. It includes a cross-section of popular American instrumental music from before, and just after, the American Revolution, including country dance tunes, improvisations, and shape note hymns. The dance music in this collection represents two basic genres of dance: country dances and cotillions. All the tunes in this book are playable on the standard-tuned fiddle (violin). The tunes have been arranged in the order found on the album as much as possible. Chords are provided to identify the harmonic structure of each piece as well as to give the opportunity for the use of an accompanying instrument, such as the guitar.
Achron Hebrew Melody for Violin by Joseph Achron, published by Carl Fischer Music, is a deeply expressive solo violin work cherished for its haunting beauty and emotional honesty.
Key features
• Lyrical and intensely expressive
• Rooted in Jewish musical tradition
• Focuses on tone, color, and phrasing
• A powerful short piece with lasting impact
Bach’s Three Sonatas and Three Partitas for solo violin (Barenreiter edition) offer:
• Authentic urtext edition reflecting Bach’s original intentions
• Composed in 1720, a pinnacle of violin repertoire
• Renowned for technical challenge and expressive depth
• Clear notation and helpful editorial notes
• Suitable for students and professionals alike
Chopin: Sonata for Violoncello and Piano in G minor Op. 65 by Frédéric Chopin, published by G. Henle Verlag, is a powerful late-Romantic chamber masterpiece of depth, lyricism, and expressive dialogue.
Key features
• Chopin’s most important chamber work
• Intense cello–piano partnership
• Dramatic and lyrical in equal measure
• Essential repertoire for advanced chamber musicians
Accolay Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor by Jean-Baptiste Accolay, published by G. Schirmer, is a classic entry-level Romantic concerto that combines expressive melody with accessible virtuosity.
Key features
• Ideal first concerto for developing violinists
• Expressive, dramatic, and approachable
• Builds confidence and musical projection
• A staple of student concert repertoire
Bridge: Moto Perpetuo for Violin and Piano by Frank Bridge, published by Stainer & Bell, is a brilliant perpetual-motion showpiece that celebrates speed, clarity, and virtuoso flair.
Key features
• Fast, energetic, and brilliantly articulated
• Showcases agility and bow control
• Perfect for encores and recital highlights
• A compact virtuoso favorite with instant appeal
Chausson: Poème Op. 25 for Violin by Ernest Chausson, edited by Peter Jost and published by G. Henle Verlag, is a cornerstone of the violin repertoire—an intensely expressive, free-form masterpiece conceived for lyrical depth rather than virtuoso display.
Key features
• A defining poetic statement for the violin
• Free, rhapsodic structure with soloistic introspection
• Emphasis on tone, rubato, and emotional nuance
• Essential repertoire for mature, expressive violinists
Chopin: Famous Transcriptions for Violin and Piano by Frédéric Chopin, published by Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne, presents beloved Chopin miniatures in beautifully crafted violin transcriptions.
Key features
• Romantic piano masterpieces reimagined for violin
• Rich cantabile style and expressive rubato
• Arranged by celebrated violinist-composers
• Perfect lyrical recital and encore repertoire
The Red Violin Caprices for Violin by John Corigliano, published by G. Schirmer, is a virtuosic solo work inspired by the acclaimed film score.
Key features
• Cinematic intensity meets concert virtuosity
• Modern harmonic richness and dramatic flair
• Demanding, high-impact recital repertoire
• A standout contemporary violin showpiece
