Here are some of my favorite violinists playing some of my favorite pieces, captured on video. (and, by the way, all of these pieces are part of the standard repertoire of violin music, and are ideal for auditions and competitions). You will notice that most of the left hands look very similar (except for some variation in thumb position). Everybody plays on his or her fingertips!
Jascha Heifetz uses a rather exaggerated "Russian" bowgrip. The bow hold that I teach is called franco-belgian/Galamian and is used by most contemporary soloists such as Itzakh Perlman, Sarah Chang, Anne-Sophie Mutter, and Hilary Hahn. The more modern bow hold permits more pressure on the string and thus more volume to the sound, and relies more on arm weight rather than bow speed. It is also easier to play at the frog with the Galamian hold.
Enjoy the tour!
1. JASCHA HEIFETZ
Jascha Heifetz (My teacher's teacher!) Note that Heifetz uses the "Russian School" bowhold.
Heifetz plays Saint-Saenz Rondo and Capriccioso (watch his left hand position!)
Heifetz Plays Sibelius Violin Concerto (no video, but one of my favorite recordings of all time)
2. ITZAKH PERLMAN
Perlman has an incredible sound. Even his fast notes sound warm and well cared for.
Young Perlman plays Wieniawsky Violin Concerto
Perlman plays Beethoven Violin Concerto
3. DAVID OISTRAKH
David Oistrakh. Oistrakh has an amzingly warm tone and such beautiful phrasing.
Oistrakh Plays Brahms Violin Concerto
Oistrakh Plays Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto
4. SARAH CHANG
Chang is a modern player with a more modern technique and bow grip.
Sarah Chang Plays Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
5. ANNE-SOPHIE MUTTER
Anne-Sophie Mutter. Mutter is a modern day player with with more modern technique and bow grip.
Mutter Plays Mozart Violin Concerto No 5 3rd movement
6. ISAAC STERN
Stern's bow hold exemplifies the galamian/franco-belgian technique that I teach.
His earlier recordings are probably his best, and he has a warm and gentle sound.
Stern Plays Brahms Violin Sonata in G Major
7. HILARY HAHN
Hilary Hahn. Hahn is one of the leading voices of a new generation of
players. Her technique is very modern and she has a beautiful, silky sound.
Hilary Hahn Plays Prokofiev Violin Concerto
8. ERICK FRIEDMAN
Student of Heifetz and my teacher at Yale School of Music
Erick Friedman plays Fritz Kreisler, Preludium and Allegro
Bach Double (Duet with Jascha Heifetz) during Meifetz masterclass
