My 4 Essential Violin Concertos (or rather, concerti)
By Francesca Dawis ('17)
I scored a student ticket to see violin virtuoso Midori at Bing on April 24! As a violinist myself, I have looked up to her as a superstar ever since I started lessons. All my excitement has gotten me thinking about my favorite violin pieces… here are my personal four essential concerti that are guaranteed to get you in the mood to see one of the world’s most renowned violinists.
1. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 14 by Samuel Barber
"The All-American"
I’m a sucker for lush, romantic melodie, and the first two movements of this concerto are chock-full of them. The violin truly sings from the very first measure of the first movement. (Barber also wrote operatic and choral works; this feels like a vocal piece for violin.) And the wistful theme of the second movement—first stated by oboe with muted strings underneath, then by celli, and much later by solo violin—is utterly heartbreaking.
I happen to fall in the category of people who ADORE the first two movements of this piece and aren’t crazy about the third. Give them all a listen and decide for yourself!
2. Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26 by Max Bruch
"The Oldie But Goodie"
3. Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 82 by Alexander Glazunov
“The Russian Countryman”
4. Carmen Fantasy, Op. 25 by Pablo de Sarasate
“The Sultry Gypsy”