Wieniawski composed this famous violin concerto, which is recommended for advanced students, between 1862 and 1868, while he worked at the St Petersburg Conservatory. Contemporary music experts regarded the composer and violin virtuoso as a reckless daredevil, who was especially famous for his impassioned vibrato and incredibly fast staccato.

These technical effects combined to create spirited, romantic fantasy and a Slavic feel in his violin playing and compositions. His second violin concer...