Beethoven: Violin Concerto, Op. 61, Septet, Op. 20 & Variations on Folk Songs, Op. 105 & 107

The virtuoso violinist Leonidas Kavakos thoughtfully complements his recording of the Beethoven Violin Concerto, which he conducts himself, with other works by the 250-year-old master. Kavakos is joined by the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks in the concerto, and performs the contrasting, light-hearted Septet with musicians drawn from the orchestra. A selection of variations on folk songs, with Kavakos accompanied by Enrico Pace, show another side of Beethoven.

Featuring

Leonidas Kavakos
Wen Xiao Zheng
Eric Terwilliger
Hanno Simons
Christopher Corbett
Marco Postinghel

Heinrich Braun
Enrico Pace
Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Ludwig van Beethoven

Did you know?

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Composition History

Beethoven's Septet, Op. 20, was his most popular and frequently performed work for many years after its public debut in April 1800, much to the composer's annoyance.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Beethoven's music, especially his works from the 'middle period' until around 1812, was deeply marked by his espousal of Enlightenment ideals, admiration for Napoleon, and empathy with his era's turmoils.

Interpretation

Leonidas Kavakos often conducts the Beethoven Violin Concerto himself while playing the solo part, a practice known as 'play-conduct' that is in keeping with Beethoven's era.

Interpretation

Leonidas Kavakos, the Greek violinist on this recording, believes Beethoven's music is rich and personal, revealing a courageous man full of internal conflicts, and cannot be played with a 'pure' or disembodied tone.

Historical Context

Beethoven's decision to stay in Vienna was influenced by political developments, as French troops occupied parts of the Cologne Electorate shortly after his departure from Bonn.

Composer Biography

Beethoven, born in 1770, moved to Vienna in May 1793 to perfect his training as a member of the Bonn court orchestra and never returned home.

Recording & Production

For this recording, Leonidas Kavakos chose the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, which, with over 60 musicians due to its full string section, offers a huge dynamic range for tender pianissimos and merging colors.