Beethoven: Violin Concerto in D Major, Romances for Violin & Orchestra, and Triple Concerto in C Major

Featuring

James Judd
Thomas Albertus Irnberger
David Geringas
Michael Korstick
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Ludwig van Beethoven

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Performer Biography

Michael Korstick, the pianist on this recording, won first prize in the 'Jugend musiziert' competition at age eleven, after only two years of piano lessons.

Performer Biography

David Geringas, the cellist on this recording, was a student of Rostropovich and won the first prize and gold medal at the Tchaikovsky Competition in 1970.

Historical Context

The use of timpani and trumpets in church music was forbidden by imperial order in Vienna as early as 1754, leading to debates about church music during the time Beethoven composed his Violin Concerto.

Composition History

Beethoven's Violin Concerto was composed in just a few weeks and completed shortly before its premiere on December 23, 1806, by violinist Franz Klement.

Instruments

Beethoven composed the Violin Concerto and Triple Concerto using a fortepiano by Anton Walter, known for its fast response, bright sound, and silvery treble.

Performer Biography

Thomas Albertus Irnberger, the violinist on this recording, made his debut at age 15 as a soloist in Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in Brussels.

Compositional Technique

The opening of Beethoven's Violin Concerto features five soft, mysterious timpani beats, which integrate the timpani into the thematic development, breaking from its traditional role.