The 36 Etudes for Violin Solo, Op. 48 by the Franco-Belgian virtuoso Henri Vieuxtemps were composed at the end of his career and dedicated to the Paris Conservatory. He created a unique combination of technical elements and musical writing. Such a combination is the most useful for students today, as it leads to a much easier transition to the practical repertoire. Yet these etudes are not often employed by teachers and students, especially in the United States. This document explores several of the 36 etudes and demonstrates their pedagogical and performance value, thus providing new choices for developing violinists as well as analytical and practical suggestions for players and teachers alike.

In the eighteenth century, the art of violin performance in France was promoted. Until in the nineteenth century, France became the center of art in the Europe, including painting, literary, architecture, and they were developed vigorously. The Paris Conservatory had a key position in music and expanded outward, and the music of Belgium was influenced very much, therefore they are named ¡§Franco-Belgian Violin School.¡¨ And the music is abundant in beautiful melodies and brilliant skills. Henry Vieuxtemps was an important and representative violinist at that period. By the way, his works presented romantic emotion. First chapter in this study presents the development of violin school. The second chapter introduces Vieuxtemps¡¦ position of ¡§Franco-Belgian Violin School,¡¨ the background of his works. The third and fourth chapter, do a research of the form, the interpretation and the performance style of Violin Concerto No.2 in F# minor, op.19. Then a conclusion in the final chapter. Key words¡GFranco-Belgian Violin School¡BVieuxtemps¡BRomantic music¡Bviolin concerto¡Bperformance practice.