Bruch: Complete Works for Violin & Orchestra, Vol. 1

Featuring

Hermann Bäumer
Antje Weithaas
NDR Radiophilharmonie
Max Bruch

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Composition History

Bruch's Romance, Op. 42, was originally conceived as the beginning of a second violin concerto but was ultimately published as a standalone piece.

Compositional Technique

Bruch's working method was compared to a sculptor, constantly reshaping and refining his music, and he often needed to hear his music performed before finalizing the instrumentation.

Critical Reception

Johannes Brahms initially criticized Bruch's Second Violin Concerto, finding the first movement too long, but later admitted he might have been wrong about its effect.

Composition History

The Second Violin Concerto was written for the virtuoso violinist Pablo de Sarasate after Bruch was deeply impressed by Sarasate's performance of his First Violin Concerto.

Composer Biography

Max Bruch was known for his pugnacious stance and extreme vulnerability, often declaring himself "finished with" even close friends over perceived slights.

Performer Biography

Antje Weithaas, the violinist on this recording, began playing at age four and won prestigious competitions like the Kreisler, Bach, and Joseph Joachim Violin Competitions.