asin: B000HDRAN0 binding: DVD list price: $29.99 USD amazon price: $26.99 USD

This performance of one of the most challenging scores in the violin repertory, Paganini's 24 Caprices, is by the internationally celebrated violinist, Alexander Markov, recorded in Reggio Emilia, Italy. It combines intense passion with extraordinary technical ability. Director Bruno Monsaingeon, himself a concert violinist, first heard Markov during a recital in New York entirely devoted to the Caprices and was left utterly dumbfounded.

asin: B000003FIX binding: Audio CD list price: $10.98 USD amazon price: $9.99 USD

Lalo's Symphonie Espagnole is a riot of instrumental color and virtuoso challenges; exactly Jascha Heifetz's piece of cake, as are Saint-Saëns's Havanaise, Chausson's Poème and Sarasate's Zigeunerweise (Gypsy Tunes). The sound is pre-stereo but well detailed. One movement of the Lalo is left out, but there are plenty of fireworks in the four that remain. --Joe McLellan

asin: B000HXDEVW binding: Audio CD list price: $16.98 USD amazon price: $16.98 USD

Although this CD's title, Simply Anne-Sophie, implies trifles, and the selection here, taken from the violinist's previous recordings, is not challenging, there's nothing simple about Mutter's virtuosity or commitment to the music. The Meditation from Thais is ravishing, "Summertime" sings as it should, the Four Seasons excerpt is fresh and dashing, the Rondeau from Mozart's Third Concerto is filled with energy, and the Adagio from the Fifth is warm and meltingly played.

asin: B00009LHX9 binding: Audio CD list price: $14.99 USD amazon price: $14.99 USD

James Greening-Valenzuela and Con Brio Recordings proudly present this pair of CDs of the ultimate challenge for the virtuoso violinist. Mr. Greening-Valenzuela uses a combination of the old style and modern schools of interpretation. His immaculate technique belies the difficulty of these works and clearly separates him from the ordinary. Each sonata contains a treacherous fugue and the Partita No. 2 features the famous fifteen minute Chaconne. Enjoy!

asin: B00009LHXA binding: Audio CD list price: $14.99 USD amazon price: $14.99 USD

James Greening-Valenzuela and Con Brio Recordings proudly present this pair of CDs of the ultimate challenge for the virtuoso violinist. Mr. Greening-Valenzuela uses a combination of the old style and modern schools of interpretation. His immaculate technique belies the difficulty of these works and clearly separates him from the ordinary. Each sonata contains a treacherous fugue and the Partita No. 2 features the famous fifteen minute Chaconne. Enjoy!

asin: B00000HZOD binding: Audio CD list price: $16.98 USD amazon price: $16.98

This program is an exercise in pure virtuosity, and it is breathtaking. It includes some of the most horrendously difficult showpieces in the repertoire, containing every imaginable--and some unimaginable--violinistic effects, such as simultaneous left-hand plucking and bowing, harmonics and double harmonics, double and triple stops, to say nothing of runs across the whole fingerboard at top speed. The violin seems to be called upon to do everything but turn somersaults.