looking for violin audio

February 9, 2010 8:57 AM

for a project, i'm looking for a piece of music that is: a single violin performance (no other instruments) in the public domain/free (classical?) not too frenetic, not too morose, but "dignified" about 3-6 minutes long (would be icing on the cake) any suggestions? thanks!
posted by mrmarley to Media & Arts (8 answers total)

How about one of the movements of one of the Sonatas or Partitas for solo violin by Bach?

There are several movements that fit the bill - no other instruments, not to crazy, not too morose, 3-6 minutes long. For example, the Gavotte and Rondeau from the third Partita. There are many others that might work, but I have to get back to work so I can't link them all right now.
posted by Cygnet at 9:03 AM on February 9, 2010

Just enough time to post one more - this is from the 2nd sonata, the andante movement. One of my favorites!
posted by Cygnet at 9:09 AM on February 9, 2010

The quintessential unaccompanied violin pieces are Bach's Partitas and Sonatas, although from your description I can't quite tell which one I would recommend. In general, the Sonatas are lighter than the Partitas, although the E Major Partita is quite upbeat.

You will have a harder time finding public domain *performances* of any of these pieces. The music is out of copyright, of course, but the performance will still be copyrighted.
posted by fremen at 9:11 AM on February 9, 2010

Nthing the Bach Sonatas and Partitas, and seconding Fremen that any recording you find will not be in the public domain. but if you live close to a college or university that has a music program, you can probably pay a student a hundred bucks to record one for you.
posted by KathrynT at 9:41 AM on February 9, 2010

If, for whatever reason, solo violin doesn't work Bach has got your back on the cello: Unaccompanied Cello Suites.
posted by turbodog at 9:52 AM on February 9, 2010

I came also to suggest the Partitas and Sonatas.
posted by Lutoslawski at 9:52 AM on February 9, 2010

You all beat me to it. Between the Violin Sonatas and Partitas and the Cello Suites, I think Bach has got you covered six ways to Sunday.
posted by valkyryn at 10:02 AM on February 9, 2010

Since everyone (including me) has covered the Bach angle, I thought I might recommend a few other unaccompanied violin works:

Paganini's 24 Violin Caprices - very showy. Romantic.
Rochberg's Caprice Variations - These are actually variations of the Paganini Caprices. Modern.
Ysaÿe Violin Sonatas - early 20th century modern.
Bartók Sonata for Solo Violin - mid-20th century modern.
posted by fremen at 10:27 AM on February 9, 2010 [1 favorite]