Sibelius, J.: Violin Concerto in D Minor / Symphony No. 2
7/1/2007, 7 Tracks, 1:19:29
Featuring
Leif Segerstam
Pekka Kuusisto
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
Jean Sibelius
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Compositional Technique
In his Second Symphony, Sibelius developed an 'organic concept of form,' where brief motifs in the first movement only combine into broader statements at the culmination of the development section.
Compositional Technique
The cadenza in the first movement of Sibelius's Violin Concerto is not only demanding but also serves an important formal function as the development section of the movement.
Composition History
Sibelius began composing his Second Symphony in Rapallo, Italy, in 1901, after a patron, Baron Axel Carpelan, secured a grant for him to travel there.
Performer Biography
Pekka Kuusisto, the violinist on this recording, launched his international career after winning the Jean Sibelius Violin Competition in 1995.
Composition History
Sibelius's Violin Concerto was initially so technically demanding that he revised it in 1905 to make the violin part more accessible.
Composer Biography
Jean Sibelius, the composer, initially aspired to be a great violin virtuoso, but started serious study of the instrument too late and had a neurotic temperament unsuited for a performing career.
Notable Performances
The premiere of Sibelius's Second Symphony in March 1902 was a legendary triumph in Finnish music history and remains his most popular symphony.
