My "24 Caprices for Solo Violin" have graciously been called "...a masterpiece of globalism and diversity" by the University of Arizona, “...exactly what I needed" by violinist Casey Bozell, and even “...the Paganini of our century” by violinist, Saule Kilaite. Feedback continues from venerated artists and institutions daily. I am forever honored by the overwhelming support of the artist community.

 

For ten unbroken years, I wrote, performed, edited, rewrote, replaced, and lectured on these audiences from 2010 through 2020. I finally published them all together in 2020.

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Music "for solo violin" after 1920 almost invariably requires piano or backtrack accompaniment. These 24 caprices provide genuine solo repertoire, requiring no accompaniment, and featuring a diversity of styles and genres.

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Why Twenty-Four?

The choice to specifically write "24" continues a 130-year legacy of violinist-composers:​

 

    • Pietro Locatelli    (1695-1764)

    • Pierre Gaviniès   (1728-1800)

    • Pierre Rode         (1774-1830)

    • Niccolò Paganini (1782-1840)

    • Jakob Dont         (1815-1888)

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Each of them wrote 24 Caprices for solo violin. Each collection I continue to find inspiring for its own unique reasons.
 

For those asking about the alleged “25” by Locatelli — he published 24 caprices in his original "L' Arte del Violino" (1733). Romeo Franzoni's later edition included a 25th piece called "The Labyrinth" to augment sales, though it was not one of Locatelli’s 24 caprices. Since then, most editions have included it and kept the title "25 Caprices" despite Locatelli's original collection.

 

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Are They Études (Studies)?

Études (short, purposefully-challenging music written to study technique) have also been called "caprices" since the mid 18th century. This is due to their characteristic similarities. I often say "all études are caprices but not all caprices are études."

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The 24 caprices by Gaviniès, Rode, and Dont are written purely for technical development. Those are études.

 

The 24 caprices by Locatelli, Paganini, myself, and the 12 "Red Violin" caprices by John Corigliano (pub. 2001) are performed for audiences. These are not études.

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What is a Caprice?

In music, a caprice (from the Italian "capriccio" meaning "whimsical" or "free") is a lively, solo instrumental composition characterized by free form, reference or imitation of other styles, and virtuosic nature.

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It is typically short and without a formal structure, allowing the composer or performer great freedom to showcase their creativity and / or technical skill.

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Key Characteristics:

• Short: Quite short in length, centering around 5 minutes.

• Virtuosic: Typically virtuosic, deliberately showcasing technical prowess often feature rapid passages, complex ornamentation, and demanding techniques

• Free Form: Unlike forms such as sonatas, concerti, etc., caprices are typically short and without a formal structure, allowing the composer or performer great freedom of expression

• Lively & Spirited: The term "caprice" itself means whimsical, free, and of a spirited quality, which is reflected in the subgenre's energetic character. 

• Solo & Instrumental: Caprices have near exclusivity to solo instrumental showpieces, mostly known on the violin and piano. Niccolo Paganini (violinist) and Fréderic Chopin (pianist) are often viewed as the founders of the caprice subgenre.​​​

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Diversity

​​Today, violinists struggle to find new, enjoyable music requiring our professional-level training. This is why all of the required music for college, university, conservatory, and orchestra auditions is over 200 years old!  ​

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When I auditioned for conservatory, the most recently-composed solo requirement was Caprice No. 9 in E Major, by Niccolo Paganini (1782-1840). For that reason, my 24 Caprice collection features a diversity of styles and genres. 

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Styles and Genres

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✔3 Fugue Caprices
✔3 Showpiece Caprices
✔3 Impromptu Caprices
✔2 Fiddle Caprices
✔2 Impressionist Caprices
✔2 Waltz Caprices
✔1 Tango Caprice
✔1 Blues Caprice
✔1 Jazz Passacaglia Caprice
✔1 Rhapsody Caprices
✔1 Scribed Improvisation Caprices
✔1 Theme & 24 Variations (3rd Edition exclusive)
✔2 Contemporary Classical works (featuring chromaticism)
✔1 Theatrical Caprice (on a 2017 theme I wrote for Theater)​​

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How Difficult Are They?

Polls from 110 players (2020-2024) say their technical challenge is between the "6 Sonatas & Partitas" of J.S. Bach and the "24 Caprices" of Niccolo Paganini.

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As a violinist being as objective as I can about my own work (haha) I say the non-ornamented U.S. National Anthem being "1", and the "Six Polyphonic Études" of H.W. Ernst being "10", I place the technical demand of my works at 6.5.

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• ✔ The highest pitch is a B6.

• ✔ One caprice (No. 17) is primarily jétè.

• ✔ Two caprices have brief double-stop harmonics.

• ✔ Four caprices include one or more double-trills.

• ✔ Six caprices include mixed meters.

• ✔ Seven caprices include left-hand pizzicato.

• ✔ Four caprices include slurred upbow staccato.

• ✔ One caprice (No. 3) uses thumb fingering one time.​

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Caprices No. 4 and 18

Caprice Nos. 4 and 18 were replaced in 2026 for all future editions. Observing performer feedback, they never reached the popularity of the other twenty-two. I replaced them to ensure the best I have to offer.​​

 

The new Caprice Nos. 4 in D Major and 18 in A Minor (E Phrygian) are FREE to download upon request to all pre-2026 purchasers with proof of purchase!​​

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Philosophical Importance

Diverse musical collections are crucial for today's violinists. Many professionally-trained violinists still never realize music beyond western classical genres.

 

These 24 Caprices purposefully expand our musical diversity, technique, awareness, and overall musical appetite.​ Brilliant performances have spread rapidly all over the world. Thousands of prints and phenominal performances have spread all over the world because there is truly something for everyone!​​​​​​