I need a couple instrumentals where there is only a violin and piano. I need it because I’m going to make a a rap song. The instrumental has to project sadness in its listeners because the rap song is going to be about my life. Please help. Thanks.

overnight celebrity- twista ft. kanye west

Jascha Heifetz plays Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35: I. Allegro moderato

*NOTE: This was from a movie, so Heifetz skips a LOT of the first movement due to time constraints. He skips nearly half of the piece, and so does the orchestra.

So please don’t ask for second or third movements because I do not have them.

You also get to see a bit of Heifetz acting at the end. A great treat!

Conductor: Fritz Reiner

This is my favorite rendition of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. I think Heifetz played a bit faster than in his recording.

Duration : 0:12:35

[youtube kFaq9kTlcaY]

I’m looking to buy and I want to know what brand is the best to buy, as in the highest quality. Or, what’s the best style of violin to buy?
Also, what is the lowest one should buy for one?

A Stradivarius. They are Profoundly expensive, but worth every penny! You may pay over a million, but anything else is not the best.

I’ve been able to read music since I was 6 and I’ve played guitar and bass for 8 years. I taught myself piano, and I play drums, so I can keep tempo in my head. My only problem is that I’m not sure if I can get used to not having any frets. I refuse to buy a violin with frets, as I think its cheating, and not truly mastering the instrument. Any suggestions for a good beginning violin? I’m only 4 ft 11 in, so I have really tiny hands too. Thanks.

There’s no such thing as a "violin with frets." I’m not sure what you’re referring to.

The violin is difficult, but can be learned if you have patience and a good teacher. It takes a year to get really good sound, as a rule, and about five years to master all the basics.

Regarding your size, you will need to get a fractional violin; violins come in not just the full size (4/4), but 3/4, 1/2, etc..all the way down to a 1/32.

Hello I would like to know your opinions on what violin strings are the best. Thank you for your help.

Thomastik Dominant, Pirastro Tonica or Obligato, or D’Addario’s Zyex. these are really good brands. hope you find what your looking for.

Tchaikovsky Competition 1990

Duration : 0:9:21

[youtube Q2onBnMHLNE]

I need a new violin because my old one broke. I just need to know how to get the better buy of purchasing a violin. Thanks.

Well, the ultimate best option is to find a local music store and go there.

It’s difficult to describe everything to look for online, especially without first being aware of your general price range.

Because of this, I strongly suggest that you go to a music store. You can give them your price range, and they’ll do everything they can to help you find a perfect instrument for your needs. In my experience, many small music store owners and workers play string instruments themselves and have a lot of experience in it.

However, if you can’t find a local music store or for some reason don’t want to go to one, you can look online. My ultimate recommendation for an online purchase is Southwest Strings. They have good quality instruments, decent prices, and their Customer Service is very helpful in describing the ins and outs of the purchase of a new string instrument. I buy most of my music accessories from there, and have used a few of their higher quality instruments.

You can find their phone numbers and such on the website; give them a call, describe your situation, playing ability, price range, etc., and they’ll help

http://www.swstrings.com/Store/Shopping.jsp

A few things to keep in mind when buying an instrument are the wood quality, string quality, fitting quality, back flame (the lines across the back of the instrument), reputability of the maker, etc.

Good luck =)

I’ve decided to learn a second instrument and have settled on a string instrument. I love both the violin and the cello, but can’t decide which one. The cello is my bigger favorite, since I love the sound it produces. Now I’ve played flute for over 8 years, so I don’t know if that musical knowledge will effect my learning either instrument. What are the pros and cons of the violin and cello? Preferences?

I prefer the violin, and would recommend it to you, over the cello.

They’re both great instruments; don’t get me wrong. Both are difficult, though. Just the same, amazing once you get used to them, and can really play them well.

The cello, however, has many drawbacks. First of all, is expense. You’d be paying more than you would with a violin for the cello itself, or the rental price, the bow, the accessories, and most likely the music, as well.

Also, cello music is harder to come by than violin music, when you’re in search of a specific song or composer. As violin is essentially a more popular instrument, you’d have an easier time coming across the music you like, and you’ll also find that there are more books and other manuscripts in regards to playing, which can help very much in your success.

In addition, I hate the bulkiness of the cello. I’ve had to transport them before, and they’re difficult to manouver. You’re more likely to have problems with upkeep and damage with a cello, than you are with a violin. If it is in fact damaged at some point, it will also be more difficult to repair, or to find someone to repair it.

Most strings teachers specialize in violin, and therefore it’s more likely that you’ll have trouble finding a high quality teacher, if you play the cello. Once you become skilled, finding a career or being given a scholarship to / being accepted into a good school, are easier if you play the violin, as I’ve seen.

However, with the cello, there’s positive point that stands out; you will have less competition in orchestras, if you ever decide to play in one. Just the same, I myself consider that a drawback; I’d rather work hard for my success, than have it come easy.

From what I know, I believe that the scale of the flute is closer to violin, which might help you.

I’d like to point out, though, you can always play both. Or, you can try one, and see if you like it; the place you rent or buy an instrument from will most likely allow you to try the instruments out, before making a decision. And if you rent, you can usually switch instruments easily, if you choose to do so. To some extent, it’s simply personal preference; whatever you enjoy more. I say, try them both out. See what you like, and what you don’t.

Good luck :]

Van Halen on violin
http://www.bobbyyang.com

Duration : 0:1:47

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I was asked by a neighbor to play violin as background music for their parent’s anniversary party. I haven’t accepted or refused yet, I told them that I would think about it. I personally do not think that a solo violin is good background music. What do you guys think? If you think that this could work, do you know any advanced pieces for the violin that would be good for background music?

Violin plays best with an orchestra or another instrument.
But if it’s just a simple party, who cares. Probably the noise of the party will cover your violin sound anyways. I remember once in a birthday party, someone had a string quartet playing some background music. Everyone was so busy chatting and laughing and no one bothered to listen.