AbstractsPhilosophy & Theology

Henryk Wieniawski (1835–1880), a Polish concert virtuoso and composer, ranked among the most significant violinists of the nineteenth century. Wieniawski published two violin concertos, Op.14 and Op.22; composed about ten years apart, their respective styles are distinct from one another, reflecting both Wieniawski’s experience as a touring virtuoso and the influences of earlier and contemporary leading violinist-composers such as Viotti, Kreutzer, Rode, Paganini, Lipinski, de Beriot, Ernst, Vieuxtemps, and Joachim. Referencing other influential violin concertos of the time and developments in the virtuosic concerto genres, this document explores the stylistic differences between Wieniawski’s two concerti through comparative study of form, musical content and technical aspects. Issues and debates based on available sources relating to the formal study of the two concertos are discussed; ultimately, this document attempts to reconcile the various interpretations in a comprehensive composite guide. This research thus presents a fuller understanding of Wieniawski’s concerti within the larger context of how the genre of virtuoso concertos was developed and established in the Romantic era. Advisors/Committee Members: Milewski, Piotr (Committee Chair).