Description  For centuries, the violin has stood at the heart of musical innovation—not only as an expressive instrument, but also as a laboratory for composers who were themselves virtuoso performers. This course explores the fascinating legacy of the composer-violinist, tracing how artists from the Baroque through the Romantic eras used their technical mastery and creative imagination to expand the boundaries of violin playing and composition.

We will study key figures including Antonio Vivaldi, Giuseppe Tartini, and Niccolò Paganini, whose works redefined both virtuosity and musical storytelling. The course will also highlight later masters such as Henryk Wieniawski, Eugène Ysaÿe, and Fritz Kreisler, who built upon this tradition with their own distinctive voices. Through guided listening, discussion, and live violin demonstrations, participants will discover how these musician-composers shaped the repertoire and influenced broader currents in Western classical music.

By the end of the course, students will have gained not only a deeper knowledge of these iconic figures and their historical contexts, but also practical tools for listening that can enrich any concert-going or personal exploration of classical music. Whether you are a lifelong listener or new to this repertoire, this course offers an engaging opportunity to appreciate how performers as creators left a lasting mark on the violin’s artistic legacy.

Group Leadership Style  More lecture than facilitated discussion.
Course Materials Additional materials will be provided on a class website or by email links.

Preparation Time  60-90 mins per class (reading/listening)