The violin concerto by German composer Max Bruch is admired especially for its lyrical melodies, which span nearly the entire range of the instrument. The work was premiered in Bremen, Germany, on January 7, 1868, with the virtuoso violinist Joseph Joachim as soloist. The piece is not only Bruch’s best-known composition but one of the most frequently performed of all violin concerti.
By the time of his death in the early 20th century, however, musical styles had charged ahead through the thematic and harmonic innovations of Franz Liszt and Richard Wagner to the angular rhythms of Igor Stravinsky. Indeed, as exemplified by the Violin Concerto No. 1, Bruch remained faithful to flowing melodies and graceful rhythms reminiscent of an earlier era.
The sonata-form first movement of the work features the violinist performing impassioned solo passages in alternation with a more solidly paced—but occasionally ardent—orchestral voice.
The second movement, “Adagio,” presents three sentimental themes, which are explored and developed fairly evenly across the solo and orchestral parts.
The spirited third movement, “Finale: allegro energico,” is based largely on a vibrant theme that is suggestive of a folk dance.
Here is violinist Yehudi Menuhin to perform this concerto for you:
