Classical music - recommendations needed

[Outlander]

Pearlman and Paganini are great. Can't remember who the artists were but there are some gypsy concertos that are phenominal, full of emotion and feeling, kind of bluesy probably done in minor keys.
My first instrument was violin. I started at 8 years old, after about 5 years I switched to guitar. I regret that I didn't keep up on the violin as well.

[quiksilver]

I've always wanted to play violin, but the closest I ever got was trying to copy Jimmy Page, using a bow on a guitar.

The music I'm looking for now wouldn't have to be classical. The gypsy concertos sound like they would be cool, too. I just want to hear some wild violin music with fire and passion in it.

It's funny that straycat mentioned Vai, because the impetus for me looking into this now is the fact that I saw Vai on Wednesday night, and the 2 violinists in his band were very impressive and reminded me that this is something I want to explore.

[straycat]

Back in the 70s our lead singer and keyboard player played violin and she tried to get me to play it but all I could do was make it screech like an owl.
I love classical music Bach, Beetoven, Bhrams, Vivaldi as well.Our band did a 3 night gig with the local philharmonic orchestra it was a real scary experience to say the least.Playing our music( we were a progressive rock type band) with an orchestra.

[thetroy]

Check out some Tchaikovsky. In particular his violin concerto and later symphonies (from the 4th onward).

[AfterForever]

check out Camille Saint-Saens 'la dance macabre'.. Great tune.