After much hunting around and experimenting with pieces, I have finally arrived at a piece that I feel I can learn and play well, as well as enjoy. The piece is Max Bruch's Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in G Minor, Op. 26.
From Richmond Symphony Orchestra's Concert Notes:
The G minor Violin Concerto is a work of lyrical beauty and emotional sincerity. The first movement, which Bruch called a “Prelude,” is in the nature of an extended introduction leading without pause into the slow movement. The Concerto opens with a dialogue between soloist and orchestra followed by a wide-ranging subject played by the violinist over a pizzicato line in the basses. A contrasting theme reaches into the highest register of the violin, and is followed by scintillating passage work of scales and broken chords for the soloist. A stormy section for orchestra alone recalls the opening dialogue, which softens to usher in the lovely Adagio. This slow movement contains three important themes, all languorous and sweet, which are shared by soloist and orchestra. The music builds to a passionate climax before subsiding to a tranquil close. The finale begins with eighteen modulatory bars containing hints of the upcoming theme before the soloist proclaims the vibrant melody itself, enriched with copious multiple stops. A broad melody, played first by the orchestra alone before being taken over by the soloist, serves as the second theme. A brief development, based on the dance-like first theme, leads to the recapitulation. The coda, with some ingenious long-range harmonic deflections, recalls again the first theme to bring the work to a rousing close. Though a true showpiece for the master violinist, the G minor Concerto also possesses a solid musicianship and a memorable lyricism that make it a continuing favorite with both performers and audiences. Sir Donald Tovey succinctly summarized the talent of the composer of this work by simply saying, “It is not easy to write as beautifully as Max Bruch.”
My interpretation: The beginning is a very intense introduction that is slow yet powerful. It feels like a sort of yearning, and there is a dialogue between the solo and the orchestra. This is linked straight into the second movement, the Adagio, which is a beautiful romantic movement with a "ravishing melody" that lasts for what could be forever, but which eventually comes to an end. The final movement is very dance-like and I feel it brings a wonderful end to this concerto.
My feelings: There is no cadenza in any part of this Concerto, which gives me great reason to rejoice because...well...cadenzas are so ridiculously difficult to learn and play. Maybe I can do this in July? Hahaha...we'll have to see how committed I am to this piece...but really, it's gorgeous! Will do my best!
~GuangyiLabels: Music Appreciation
The angels whisper softly 9:57 PM