Violin Concerto in D Major, Op.61

Composed in 1806, Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D Major for solo violin and orchestra premiered at Vienna on December 23, 1806 by his colleague, Franz Clement. It is one of the earliest and most frequently performed concerto. It was Beethoven's only concerto for violin, and it is considered to be his most lyrical work.

The violin concerto was commissioned by Franz Clement, who wanted a dramatic showpiece for his upcoming concert. Beethoven completed the work in a few weeks, but only shortly before the concert. It was a fairly rushed affair, with the soloist not having had time to learn his part and spent a good deal of the concert sight-reading.

Unlike his many other pieces, this violin concerto didn't become an instant hit, languishing into obscurity, only for Joseph Joachim to revive it in 1844. Since then, it has become one of the best-known violin concerto.

Violin Concerto in D Major, Op.61: Bio

The Violin Concerto in D Major is divided into 3 movements. Allegro ma non troppo, Larghetto, and Rondo.

Allegro ma non troppo

The first movement starts with four iconic beats from the timpani that grabs the attention of the audience and opens up to the main melody which is introduced by the accompaniment. Another four beats -which is iconic in this particular movement - is played by the timpani, and then once again, the melodic line is continued. It is an extended tutti that precedes the entrance of the violin, which comes with a cadenza-like introduction of octaved arpeggios and scales. Set in a sonata form, the movement is a conversation between the violin and the accompaniment, a relaying of melodies, emphasizing the themes.

Larghetto

One of Beethoven’s most serene music ever produced, the second movement is a direct contrast from the dramatic unrest of the first movement as the tempo slows down and the violin sings freely, taking its time with the music. Light and meditative, it is marked by a tranquil, heart-aching lyricism.

Rondo

Filled with robust and dancelike energy, the violin cuts right in from the start without pause from the second movement. A finale that demands the utmost from its soloist, it is filled with variations centralizing around one main theme while alternating with one or more contrasting themes.

Violin Concerto in D Major, Op.61: About