Bruch and the most beautiful concerto | Brahms and the winged melodies

A young Max Bruch arrived in the German city of Koblenz to hold the position of Musical Director of the city. In an effort to demonstrate his mastery, Bruch composed his Violin Concerto no. 1 premiered in 1866. Koblenz was fascinated by the concert, a spectacular work considered since then, as one of the best and most beautiful works ever written for violin.

The most beautiful melodies came to me in dreams. I practically composed the whole concert in a dream-like state. Max Bruch

View of Koblenz, the first city to enjoy the Bruch Violin Concerto

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MiNaVjvSqQ

Historical recording: Bruch Violin Concerto no. 1, III - Pinchas Zukerman & Zubin Mehta

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It took Brahms many years to decide to compose the First Symphony. It was unclear if he would like that score because he felt overwhelmed by Beethoven's influence. But the success was so great that that same year he began composing the Second Symphony, a cheerful, brilliant and fresh work destined to become his most popular work.

The composer acknowledged that the mountains of southern Austria had been his main inspiration.

The air of Carinthia is so full of winged melodies that care must be taken not to step on them. Johannes Brahms

Wörtherssee, the Austrian lake that inspired Brahms's Second Symphony

 

Historical recording: Brahms Symphony no. 2 (final) - Riccardo Muti & Chicago Symphony

 

BRUCH'S VIOLIN CONCERTO
AND BRAHMS SECOND SYMPHONY

BRUCH: Violin Concerto No. 1, op. 26
BRAHMS: Symphony No. 2, op. 73

Alexandra Soumm, violin
Franz Schubert Filharmonia
Pablo González, conductor