Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No.1 in G minor, Op.26

VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 1 by German composer Max Bruch is one of the most famous instrumental works of the 19th century, established among the most popular and essential repertoire for this instrument. The concerto was completed in 1866 and premiered on April 24^th of the same year by Otto von Königslöw, conducted by Bruch himself. The concerto was then significantly revised with the help of the famous violinist Joseph Joachim (Joachim played a similar role in Johannes Brahms' violin concerto) and completed in its familiar form in 1867. The premiere of the revised version was performed by Joachim in Bremen on January 5^th , 1868, conducted by Carl Martin Reinthaler. Bruch dedicated the Concerto to Joachim and emphasized his co-authorship in the work's creation many times in his letters. Bruch was known for his love of folk music, and this work shows this affinity right from the opening moments of the Vorspiel – the introduction to the first movement, Allegro moderato – as well as in the longing-filled Adagio. The first movement is shorter. The emotionally charged violin part sounds captivating against the backdrop of the orchestra. The second movement is romantically nostalgic. The contrasting virtuoso finale (Allegro energico) is lively and passionate. A romantic composer, teacher, and conductor, author of over 200 works, including three violin concertos, Max Bruch, despite being respected as a young man and teaching in Cologne at the age of 20 and staging his first opera, failed to achieve great fame. His "Kol Nidrei" for cello and orchestra and "Scottish Fantasy" for violin and orchestra are also performed, albeit less frequently, but thanks to his First Violin Concerto, Bruch is one of the most popular composers from the era of Joseph Joachim and Pablo Sarasate to the present day. In October 2019, renowned violinist Joshua Bell presented the original manuscript for the first time on BBC Radio 4's "Stories from the Ensemble" show.