Violin Concerto (Dvořák)

History#

Dvořák was encouraged to write a violin concerto by his publisher Simrock, after compositions such as Slavonic Dances and his Symphony No. 6 had been successful. with the solo part played by František Ondříček, who also gave the Vienna and London premieres. The concerto was first performed in the United States on 30 October 1891, at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago. Max Bendix was soloist with the Chicago Orchestra led by Theodore Thomas. The concerto remains an important work in the violin repertoire.

Music#

The concerto is scored for solo violin and an orchestra consisting of two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets (in A), two bassoons, four horns, two trumpets, timpani, and strings. The structure of the concerto is the classical three movements, fast–slow–fast. The first movement and the second movement are interconnected (attacca subito).

Selected recordings#

• Augustin Hadelich: Bohemian Tales – with the Bavarian Radio Orchestra, conducted by Jakub Hrůša