Solo Violin...suggestions.

I am not a fan of Joshua Bell but I do like Anne Sophie Mutter and yes the Pablo Sarasate arrangements are pretty exciting if you want a demo of violin. However, IMHO, violin is better as playing its part in an orchestra rather than profilled too prominently. Russian composers seems to have employed strings to great effect (think Prokofiev Romeo & Julliet). Brandburg Concertos are a must for someone getting into classical. Oh and don't forget BOND's version of "Winter" or better known as Quattro Staggioni by Vivaldi - BOND are best selling string quartet of all time - you'll never guess why unless you've seen a photo.

This is one of those dejavu threads, so you may get more recommendations as well as repeats of the excellent recommendations above. I'll add my own, neither of which have been mentioned yet, but I'm sure I've echoed on other threads:

Bach Works for Violin Solo, Lara St. John
Vengerov Plays Bach, Shchedrin, Ysaye, Maxim Vengerov

Thanks. I'll look into the suggestions. As you put it Rushton, "emotion" and "passion"..., is what I"m looking for I guess, with the solo strings.

For solo violin you must, of course, get at least one disc of Paganini, one of the most celebrated violinists of all times, & a composer. His "caprices" make excellent listening I'm sure you'll enjoy.

I picked up a copy of Hilary Hahn playing Bach Partitas on solo violin. Fantastic recording.

My favorite violinist is Itzhak Perlman.