10 ESSENTIAL VIOLIN SONATAS for BEGINNERS

Just two instruments, violin and piano, but a whole world of feeling! Check out these masterpieces:
Beethoven: “Kreutzer” Sonata (Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major, Op. 47)
Alkan: Grand Duo Concertante
Fauré: Violin Sonata No. 1
Saint-Saens: Violin Sonata No. 1
Brahms: Violin Sonata No. 1 in G major, Op. 78
Grieg: Violin Sonata No. 3 in C minor, Op. 45
Franck: Violin Sonata
Nielsen: Violin Sonata No. 2 in G minor, Op. 35
Enescu: Violin Sonata No. 3 “dans le caractère populaire roumain” (in Romanian Folk Style)
Ravel: Violin Sonata (No. 2)

[@masahiromihara1481]

Fauré's Violin Sonata No. 1 is very good, especially, the second movement.

[@yvonnekoopman8598]

As a beginner I really appreciate these lists. And yes, less is more. Ten is plenty considering I need to listen attentively to each sonata at least 3 times to process it and take the measure of it to speak. Now multiply that by ten and that's a lot of listening time just for violin sonatas not to speak of concertos, symphonies etc, etc. Dave is right to keep repeating this - please please just comment on these works alone. That would be more helpful than knowing there are hundreds more sonatas I could be listening to. Too much choice causes stress - which is exactly why I value these short lists. Duh.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Thank you!

[@timdexter7600]

If I sometimes find the sound world of orchestral music to be too saturating (like christmas pudding with brandy sauce), then chamber music provides the needed freshness and transparency (like fruit salad and ice cream). I agree that the received "wisdom?" that chamber music is "high brow" is a load of BS, chamber music is often easier, especially if you start with pieces that have good tunes, which is what you have provided. Thanks.

[@djbabymode]

Dave, I'd love to see a list of Renaissance era/modal works for beginners; I don't really know where to start!

[@happywolfie1980]

This is a very interesting and quite unexpected list with works such as the Enescu and the Nielsen sonatas thrown included, which I'm sure will prompt some viewers of this video to try them! My personal list will include the Prokofiev sonatas (can't decide which is 'better') and maybe Shostakovich's one too. Guess you'll have to move on to the Esssential Cello Sonatas next! (here's an early vote for Janecek Pohádka to be included!)

[@joemahlerng]

Beethoven wrote 10 violin sonatas

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

As I said before, I know and I don't care. No one cares. It doesn't matter. One reason I deliberately guesstimate these things is to show normal viewers how pedantic and trivial so many classical music people can be, trying to make points about non-musical irrelevancies. It's my style. So please, just talk about music.

[@claytonfarmer437]

I’m so glad the Enescu is there, that is definitely a great 20th century sonata for anyone, let alone beginners. There are at least two recordings of Enescu performing this piece: one with Enescu on violin, and the other with Enescu on piano! Simply beyond belief. They’re in terrible sound and suited only for historical interest, but very, very cool nonetheless.

[@yvonnekoopman8598]

The version with Enescu on violin and Lipatti on piano recorded in 1943 is haunting considering what was going on in Europe at that time.

[@BeammeupSpotty]

i enjoy your recommendations. Thanks!!!! More often than not I really like what you recommend, but today the Alkan sonata didn't do it for me. 🙂 keep it up1!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Can't win 'em all!

[@juandavidramirezquintero4587]

Wonderful video, thanks. Would you consider one Dave’s Fave about Martinu violin sonatas? 😊

[@SZ-ef9lz]

That's a tough one; I find all these works interesting and know them relatively well (except Nielsen's and Alkan's sonata) but I always wonder why I never connect with this genre. I love Fauré's chamber music for instance, but rarely listen to his violin sonatas, same with Beethoven or Brahms. On the other hand I'm enthusiastic about their cello sonatas. A matter of taste? Probably...

[@ultradmann2367]

Question, with the recommendations in the list, I assume you want those who are newer to some of these that aren't familiar with artist and repertoire of that particular group your going over to look for random recordings that may or may not be good or bad?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Yes and no. Especially in chamber music, it's very rare to find a recording that's actually bad, and the point is just to hear the music without worrying about which version to get. It's how we all do it, after all, when we start. We imprint on something or other, then develop specific preferences. I think that works very well, and if anyone wants to research specific performances, that's why I founded Classicstoday.com, which has tens of thousands of free reviews, all easily searchable. So I feel no need to effectively repeat myself when all the information anyone could reasonably want is ready to hand. Perhaps I should mention it more frequently--you make a very good point in that regard, so thank you.

[@daviddorfman320]

Because the Enescu is so difficult to pull off, which recording would you recommend?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

There are several, but here's one: www.classicstoday.com/review/review-4211/?search=1

[@henryoliver2833]

Oooooo what's a recommended recording of the Alkan?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

There aren't many--just take your pick of what's out there and wait for something great to come along.

[@Thingsyourollup]

Oh my bad, for some reason I was under the impression these were going to be pieces for beginners.

[@fredcasden]

Wait a minute! You're talking about THE Ravel sonata, as if there is only one. But your list says number 2. What gives?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

There's an early one published posthumously that no one cares about, but sometimes you will see THE sonata listed as No. 2 nowadays (as on IMSLP, for example). Welcome to the world of modern musicology.

[@fredcasden]

@@DavesClassicalGuide At least you know I'm paying attention!

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

@@fredcasden Indeed you are! Much appreciated!