![The Ultimate List of Violin Solos [Video Tutorials]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftakelessons.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F05%2Fciolin-solos-720.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced violinist, it’s important to be armed with a number of solo pieces to play. Here, violin teacher Naomi Cherie S. put together an in-depth guide to violin solos for players of all levels…
If you’re studying the violin, then you already know how rewarding it is to play this instrument. Yes, it can be tricky and challenging at times, but that just makes it even more exciting and fulfilling when you master a new technique or song.
While practicing this beautiful stringed instrument, you’ve likely come to enjoy playing violin solos. After all, solo pieces offer you a chance to shine and show off your skills. And because these can be such a joy to play, we’ve rounded up a list of the best violin solos for musicians of all levels. From easy songs to intermediate selections and some great choices for auditions, we’ve got something for everyone!
Whether you’re looking to experiment with some beginner violin solos or challenge yourself with more advanced music, explore 17 of our favorite pieces below.
1. “Minuet No. 1”- J.S. Bach
While Johann Sebastian Bach was one of the world’s greatest composers, he also wrote many music pieces suitable for beginner and intermediate players. With enough practice, you’ll be able to master these tunes before you know it.
If you’re looking for an easy beginner violin solo, look no further than this beautiful number. This violin solo is ideal for a beginner who’s been playing for six months to a year. It’s a step up from the common early beginner folk songs and a great introduction to classical music from Baroque-era composer Johann Sebastian Bach.
It keeps it short and simple but adds some complex rhythms and stylistic bowings.
2. “Minuet No. 2” – J.S. Bach
Get ready for a bit of a challenge because this song is a nice next level piece that takes things up a notch. The second in this series of Bach Minuets, it follows the same style and themes but increases playing stamina with length and couples familiarity with a few new twists and turns. Once you master this violin solo, you’ll be ready to take on even more technical pieces in no time.
3. “Gavotte” – F.J. Gossec
Ready to expand your violin skills? Give Gossec’s “Gavotte” a whirl. This is a simple yet challenging beginner violin solo. It has a playful and lighthearted style that will impress friends and family or an audience at a recital.
It adds complexity, and again, pushes your stamina, which is a big factor when you’re starting out and getting used to playing for longer periods of time.
If you’re looking for more beginner-friendly solos, check out these 14 popular violin solo pieces for beginners!
Intermediate Violin Solos
4. “Gavotte” from Mignon – A. Thomas
After getting the hang of the first three violin solos for beginners, it’s on to more challenging music. We recommend starting with “Gavotte” from Mignon, a three-act opéra comique by Ambroise Thomas that will challenge your ability in the best ways possible.
This violin solo is a great choice for an intermediate violinist who has been playing for around one-and-a-half to two years. It’s lively, melodic themes give it spark, and it’s a great segway piece for those transitioning from beginner to intermediate.
5. “Minuet in G” – L. van Beethoven
Beethoven’s “Minuet in G” is another top pick when it comes to intermediate violin solos. As the story goes, Beethoven originally wrote this composition for an orchestra but only the piano arrangement survived over the years. Today, you can play this piece with your violin the way Beethoven likely intended it to be performed.
6. “Minuet” – L. Boccherini
Looking for even more intermediate violin pieces? Then try your hand at this piece. In fact, you’ll probably recognize this one from television commercials and films. Luigi Boccherini’s “Minuet” is a great song to play at a recital. When you need an infectious tune that will get heads bobbing and toes tapping, this is the violin solo for you. Remember; playing violin music doesn’t always have to be a serious affair. Get into this one, and have fun with it!
Violin Solos for Auditions
Whether you’re trying out for a spot in a local folk band or for a seat in an orchestra, auditions can be nerve-wracking experiences. But if you walk into an audition with one of these musical pieces in your back pocket, you’re sure to impress.
7. “Student Concertino” – A. Huber
This three-page Concertino is a great audition choice for a student who has been playing for two to three years. It’s a longer song, so if you play it at an audition, the director may ask you to play a shorter segment or selection.
Showcase your talents through the range of styles and tones. From languidly slow to spunky and fast, this song will show off your versatility to whoever is judging your performance.
8. “Concerto No. 2” (3rd Movement) – F. Seitz
If you’ve been playing for two to three years, try this as an audition piece.
The song has a lot of variety and will allow you to show the director several different skills. It also offers clear-cut sections the director can pick and choose if he or she wants to hear certain excerpts for the audition. If you want to really show off your range, you can’t go wrong with this incredible, advanced violin solo.
9. “Concerto in A Minor” (1st Movement) – A. Vivaldi
A familiar, delightful tune, this Antonio Vivaldi concerto is another excellent option, especially for a more advanced audition.
If you’ve been playing for three to four years, master this piece to wow an audition director. It’s a nice advanced-intermediate piece, and on top of that, it’s a fun piece to learn and play!
Famous Violin Solos
Like the guitar solo in Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” and the drum solo during Santana’s performance of “Soul Sacrifice” at Woodstock, the violin has contributed to some of the finest solo pieces in music. Check out this list of famous violin solo pieces you may want to learn:
10. “Méditation” (From Thaïs) – Jules Massenet
This is one of the best, most endured violin solos of all time, and for good reason. Its gorgeous and lush arrangements make it a stunning piece for both personal enjoyment and public performances. If you want to learn to play an iconic violin solo piece, then we definitely recommend adding this one to your repertoire.
11. “Running Dry” (Requiem for the Rockets) – Neil Young with Crazy Horse (Violinist Bobby Notkoff)
Not every solo is a classical piece written hundreds of years ago. In fact, you’ll come across plenty of amazing contemporary violin solos. Case in point: “Running Dry.” This emotive violin solo is a must-know for rock ‘n’ roll history enthusiasts or anyone interested in pop and rock music from the 1970’s classic rock era.
Performed by violinist Bobby Notkoff, it’s the perfect accompaniment to Neil Young’s melancholy vocal stylings and mid-tempo electric folk balladry.
12. “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” – The Charlie Daniels Band
When people ask you (and trust me, they will) the difference between a violin and a fiddle, you can tell them with confidence that there’s no difference in the instrument itself; the difference between a violin and a fiddle is in the style or genre of music and some of the techniques.
There are many notable differences between the two main violin genres (classical vs. fiddle) and this song is a great example of that. “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” by famed violinist Charlie Daniels, is probably the single most infamous fiddle piece of all time. And rest assured, as a violinist, people are going to ask you if you know how to play this song.
If you want to go the extra mile and impress these hearty fiddle enthusiasts, it’s a good idea to have this song in your pocket! The fast-fingered fiddle licks are challenging to learn, but they make an exceptional parlor trick to entertain and impress crowds.
13. “Bittersweet Symphony” – The Verve
Turn on the radio during the late 1990s, and there’s a good chance you would have heard this tune streaming over the airwaves. This ’90s anthem, “Bittersweet Symphony,” has one of the most memorable solos of the era. And was probably played at countless high school graduation ceremonies.
This generation-defining song has stood the test of time and the repetitive nature of the song will have you humming the violin part in your head, making it easier to remember and pick up by ear.
Classical Violin Solos
14. “Sonata II” in G Minor – G.F. Händel
This is a stunning piece by one of the most esteemed composers of the Baroque era. The movements take the listener and the performer from somber to upbeat to pastoral, and back to upbeat.
It’s also an excellent example of a Baroque-period piece with plenty of clean lines, phrasing and ornamental trills.
15. “The Swan” (From The Carnival of the Animals) by C. Saint-Saëns
“The Swan” is one of several pieces that make up a whole known as The Carnival of the Animals. This legendary work of art by Camille Saint-Saëns catalogs some of the common creatures of the zoo, from the swan to the elephant, there’s a piece for each animal.
This elegant and whimsical piece is short, sweet, and always leaves the listener wanting more. Traditionally written for the cello, it translates beautifully to the violin and is full of life and heart.
16. “The Lark Ascending” by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “The Lark Ascending” is the picture of eloquence. Written during the World War I era following his active duty in France, it stands at an epic 16 minutes.
Inspired by a poem of the same name by George Meredith, it’s an unforgettable piece that takes you on a journey through meadows, woods, and skies.
17. Violin Sonata No. 9 (‘Kreutzer’) – L. van Beethoven
We’re rounding out our list of the best violin solos with another Beethoven classic. According to legend, Beethoven dedicated this piece to another famous violinist at the time, Rodolphe Kreutzer. However, Kreutzer didn’t seem to like it and never played it himself!
While Kreutzer personally may not have enjoyed it, there’s certainly a lot to love about this sonata that captures so much emotion. It sounds beautiful, raw, and haunting all at once. Although it’s a challenging piece that’s not easy to master, when you do get the hang of it, you’re sure to impress your audience.
No matter where you are in your musical journey, these pieces are a delight to play. Our list features beginner violin solos and intermediate ones, along with more advanced violin solo options, so you’re sure to find a few numbers that accommodate your preferences and skill sets. Nevertheless, if you’re looking to further improve your violin playing, then it may be time to turn to private violin lessons. When you work one on one with a certified violin tutor, you will receive the guidance you need to excel at these solos and so much more! Sign up with us today to take your music skills to the next level.
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Post Author: Naomi Cherie S.Naomi teaches violin in Austin, TX. She is a classically trained violinist with over 20 years of experience and a diverse musical background. Learn more about Naomi Cherie S. here.
Photo courtesy Tara Kamangar
Maile Proctor