Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908) was a Spanish violinist and composer, one of the great virtuosos of the nineteenth century. Born in Pamplona, he studied in Paris and built an international career of extraordinary brilliance.

His works include Zigeunerweisen, the Spanish Dances, Carmen Fantasy and many other violin pieces. They remain central to the virtuoso repertory.

Sarasate’s music is elegant, dazzling and idiomatic, combining Spanish colour with polished French technique. It gives the violin opportunities for both song and glittering display.

As a performer, he inspired works by composers including Saint-Saëns, Lalo and Bruch. As a composer, he left violin pieces that still know exactly how to enter under a spotlight.