Tchaikovsky’s only violin concerto was composed in 1878, with the first performance not until 1881 by the Vienna Philharmonic with soloist Adolf Brodsky. Having been composed in the latter part of his career, it was written during his escape from Russia soon after his marriage to a near-stranger that ended within three months and led the composer to attempt suicide.
As a result, Tchaikovsky’s brother encouraged him to leave Russia for a while to clear his head, which led to his sabbatical in Switzerland, where he finished works he had started before his marriage and composed several new ones, including his violin concerto.
It’s widely accepted that Tchaikovsky’s marriage was the result of his closeted homosexuality and he was romantically involved with his former student, Joseph Kotek, a virtuoso violinist. Kotek visited Tchaikovsky in Switzerland and inspired him to write a piece for violin and orchestra, similar to Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnol.
I listened today to a wonderful, passionate interpretation of this concerto, and here it is for your enjoyment:
