Henryk Wieniawski (1835-1880) was a Polish violinist and composer, one of the great virtuosos of the nineteenth century. Born in Lublin, he studied in Paris and built an international performing career.

His works include two violin concertos, polonaises, études, mazurkas and many shorter pieces for violin. They remain important in the virtuoso repertory.

Wieniawski’s music is brilliant, lyrical and strongly idiomatic, combining Romantic display with Polish dance character. It asks much of the player, but rewards virtuosity with real melodic fire.

His influence on violin playing and teaching was substantial. Wieniawski’s best pieces still carry the heat of rosin, stage lights and a fast Polish pulse.