Beethoven was a revolutionary figure who transitioned from an era of noble patronage to becoming an independent musical artist-entrepreneur, earning income from public concerts and publications.
Instruments
Daniel Dodds, the artistic director, plays two Stradivarius violins: the 'Hämmerle-Baumgartner' from 1717 and the 'Sellière' from c. 1680.
Performer Biography
Midori, the violinist on this album, plays the 1734 Guarnerius del Gesù 'ex-Huberman' violin and uses four bows, including two by Dominique Peccatte.
Composition History
Beethoven's only Violin Concerto, Op. 61, was a rush job, finished just days before its 1806 premiere, leading the soloist, Franz Clement, to partially sight-read his part.
Critical Reception
Beethoven's Violin Concerto was initially perplexing to audiences and largely forgotten for 40 years until Joseph Joachim championed it, making it a beloved work.
Compositional Technique
Beethoven's Violin Concerto deviates from the typical heroic concerto style of its time; the violin does not dominate but is interwoven with the orchestra, often using simple running scales.
Recording & Production
This recording was made in March 2020 under unusual circumstances, as the planned concert and tour were cancelled due to the emerging global pandemic, but permission was granted to proceed with the recording.
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Beethoven: Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61; Romances for Violin No. 1 in G Major, Op. 40 & No. 2 in F Major, Op. 50
