Often said to be the instrument closest to the human voice, the musical properties and characteristics of the violin have attracted composers through the centuries. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Sibelius and many others composed violin concertos that are now popular repertoire in concerts around the globe. With the ability to "sing" melodies, as well as handle fast, agile sequences, the violin's versatility combines tender lyricism with pyrotechnical brilliance, making it one of the most communicative and expressive of all instruments. As one of today's top violinists, Joshua Bell, has said, "When you play a violin piece, you are a storyteller, and you're telling a story." This series will trace the development of the violin concerto from the Baroque to the present day, using classic recordings featuring legendary violinists from the past and present.