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Jenkinson

Ezra Jenkinson (1872–1947) was an English violinist-composer best remembered for writing exactly the kind of repertoire that helps developing players sound brilliant, fast. Born in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, Jenkinson built his reputation on short character pieces and studies that combine musical charm with clear technical purpose—music that sits naturally under the fingers while quietly strengthening core skills.

His most famous work, Elfentanz (“Dance of the Elves”, 1894), became a staple of the student-violin world for good reason. It is a sparkling, high-energy miniature built around light, bouncing bow strokes (spiccato), crisp articulation, and nimble coordination—everything that turns technique into performance. Elfentanz comes from Jenkinson’s set Sechs lyrische Stücke (Six Lyric Pieces), a collection that reflects the late-Romantic salon tradition, but with a practical teacher’s eye for what young musicians actually need.

Jenkinson’s music continues to be valued today because it does what the best pedagogical repertoire does: it teaches, it entertains, and it gives students a real “concert moment” in just a few minutes.

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