Wieniawski: Legende, Op. 17, Violin & Piano/Masters

Category: Violin and Piano ** Title: Legende, Op. 17 ** Composer: Wieniawski, Henryk ** Publisher: Masters Music Publications ** Difficulty: ASTA grade 4.

Behind Wieniawski's famous 'Legende, Op. 17' is a love story. Dedicated to Isabella Hampton, who later became his wife, this romantic piece actually helped the young composer obtain her parents' blessing. As the story goes, Ms. Hampton's parents did not approve of the match, but after hearing Wieniawski's heartfelt anguish (not to mention his musical talent) in the Legende, they were wont to change their minds; Henryk and Isabella were married in 1860. Though the Legende was composed for violin and orchestra, it is probably more often heard in its iteration for violin and piano.