My most memorable musical experience is first watching the video “Art of Violin” (also available on DVD).
It is a film showing extracts of live performances given by some of the world’s greatest violinists. Violinists featured in the film include; Yehudi Menuhin, David Oistrakh, Jascha Heifetz, Henryk Szeryng, Ida Haendel and Christian Ferras amongst others.
It is narrated by world class violinists Hilary Hahn and Ivry Gitlis who share their memories and opinions of the violinists in the film. I was just 14 years old when I first witnessed this historical gem and it continues to inspire me to this day. Here is an opportunity to hear the violin at it’s most beautiful - I am sure you will be inspired to perform just as well. Some of the finest pieces of music ever written for the violin are featured in this documentary and are performed to the highest possible standards. Many of the soloists have made definitive recordings of the music you will hear. I am sure you will want to learn how to play the virtuosic repertoire which is demonstrated so brilliantly!
“Art of Violin” will also teach you about the history of the violin. The recordings you will hear were made between the late 19th century and mid to late 20th century. This time period is sometimes referred to as the “golden age” of violin playing, as it is unsurpassed in the producing such a high number of exquisite violinists.
I cannot recommend this film highly enough. Go out and buy it and renew your passion for the violin!
