killer violin tracks.

Atagi:

A new find from Harmonia Mundi ... "Le Violin Vagabond." What seductive, sweet, and compelling music. Graf Mourja on violin and Natalia Gous on piano ... that's it. Took a chance on the CD ... what a payoff. Awesome. Listen to a sample .

Regards, Rich

I second the Lara St. John Bach mentioned above as well, and I'll add her "Gypsy" CD. It has a breathtaking performance of "Zigeunerweisen".

Jascha Heifitz, Vitali Chaconne, on an old RCA release, if I'm not mistaken. Michael Rabin had utterly amazing technique as well. His Paganini caprices are astounding. Also, Stephan Grapelli playing with Django on anything. And Sugar Cane Harris plays an awsome electric violin solo on "Little House I used to live in", on Frank Zappa's "Burnt Weenie Sandwich".

"Romance of Violin" by Joshua Bell - I think this is a great violin solo CD for classical music newbees (self included).

Qoute from NRP: "Joshua Bell plays a Stradivarius violin built in 1713 that's been stolen a few times in its storied past. On his latest CD, the young virtuoso has stolen a few great classical melodies -- from other instruments -- and transposed them for violin."

Also liked:

1. Lara St. John's - Bach Works for Violin Solo
2. Hilary Hahn's - Bach Concertos with L.A. Chamber Orchestra

I just listened to Lucy Van Dael play the solo Bach Sonatas and Partitas on Naxos. It smacks of realness and the performances are incredibly organic and earthy. And it's only $7! I really appreciate the non-overly produced/processed approach too.