This recording of Bruch's Scottish Fantasy and Violin Concerto No. 2 was made at No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London, on February 27 and 28, 1976.
Composition History
Max Bruch wrote the Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 44, for the Spanish virtuoso Pablo de Sarasate, who premiered it in London in November 1878.
Composition History
The Scottish Fantasy was also intended for Pablo de Sarasate, but due to a falling out with Bruch, its premiere was given by Joseph Joachim, Sarasate's rival, in 1881.
Critical Reception
Both Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 2 and the Scottish Fantasy fell into neglect for decades until Jascha Heifetz championed them and made the first recordings in 1954 and 1947, respectively.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Max Bruch considered his Scottish Fantasy not a true concerto due to its free structure and use of authentic Scottish folk tunes, which he scrupulously copied himself.
Compositional Technique
Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 2 features innovative touches, such as an Adagio opening instead of the conventional Allegro, and an instrumental recitative that connects movements.
Performer Biography
Itzhak Perlman, the violinist on this recording, recorded both the Scottish Fantasy and the Second Violin Concerto early in his career in 1976.
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