The Art of Violin (Part 2)

In this episode of Talking Bach, Artistic Director Madeleine Easton takes listeners on a journey through The Art of Violin—a sweeping exploration of the instrument’s origins, evolution, and enduring allure. From the medieval rabab and rebec to the golden age of Cremonese violin-making, Madeleine traces how the violin rose to prominence as the most expressive and beloved instrument in Western music. Along the way, she highlights the great composers and virtuosi who shaped its voice—Vivaldi, Handel, Bach, Paganini, Kreisler, and many more—revealing how performers and composers worked hand in hand to expand the violin’s technical and emotional possibilities. With vivid historical insights, musical examples, and reflections on performance, this episode celebrates the artistry of both violin makers and violinists, and the timeless music they brought into the world Chapters (00:00:13) - Talking Bach (00:01:33) - What is the violin? (00:06:24) - The Origins of the Violin (00:09:35) - What is the Viola? (00:12:05) - Baroque Music (00:14:08) - The violin's historical trajectory (00:15:30) - What is it about the violin? (00:17:47) - The violin (00:21:49) - The role of the violin in music (00:27:50) - Bach (00:29:20) - The Art of Violin