Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor is unusual for its innovative structure, particularly the seamless integration of the first and second movements without a traditional pause. Additionally, the concerto showcases a lyrical and expressive melodic style, which contrasts with the more virtuosic and showy approaches typical of the time. The concerto is also notable for its emphasis on the soloist's emotional expression rather than mere technical display, making it a significant departure from earlier concertos.
the main theme is presented by the soloist
Grade 9
There are many violin concertos in the key of e-minor, but the most famous by far was written by Felix Mendelssohn. His e-minor concerto is one of the standards of the violin repertoire.
Il Sospetto
1730 to 1731.
the main theme is presented by the soloist
Bach's Violin Concerto in A minor is known for its intricate melodies, virtuosic violin passages, and rich harmonies. The concerto showcases a dialogue between the solo violin and the orchestra, with the violin often leading the musical conversation. Bach's use of counterpoint, where multiple melodic lines intertwine, is also a notable feature of this concerto.
Grade 9
There are many violin concertos in the key of e-minor, but the most famous by far was written by Felix Mendelssohn. His e-minor concerto is one of the standards of the violin repertoire.
Il Sospetto
Bach's A minor violin concerto is known for its intricate melodies, technical challenges, and emotional depth. It is significant in the history of music as one of the first solo violin concertos ever written. Bach's innovative use of the solo violin as a prominent voice within the concerto form influenced later composers and helped establish the concerto as a popular genre in classical music.
1730 to 1731.
1730-1731.
In no particular order, the top ten violin concertos are: * Violin Concerto in D Minor- Sibelius * Violin Concerto in D Major- Tchaikovsky * Violin Concerto in E Minor- Mendelssohn * Violin Concerto in D Major- Beethoven * Violin Concerto in A Minor- Glazunov * Violin Concerto in G Minor- Bruch * Violin Concerto in D Major- Brahms * Violin Concerto in G Minor- Prokofiev * Violin Concerto in A Minor- Bach * Violin Concerto in B Minor- Elgar This is definitely an "arguable" top 10 list, but they're all pretty famous concertos. Those are just the ones that came off the top of my head, so I'm sure I missed some other really good ones, but those are the only ones I can think of for now. The list was narrowed down a lot since it was just violin concertos, but these are definitely some of the best. Other notes: * Joshua Bell's CD of the Mendelssohn and the Bruch are fantastic. * Nigel Kennedy's perfomance of the Bach is great. * Schlomo Mintz plays excellent versions of the Mendelssohn and the Sibelius on Youtube. * Jascha Heifetz's CD compiled of the Sibelius, Tchaikovsky and Glazunov is very good. He was a great violinist, but since he played so long ago, the recordings are not always that great.
Antonio Vivaldi wrote several concertos in A minor, with one of the most famous being "Concerto for Violin in A minor, RV 356," composed around 1711. This piece is part of his collection "L'estro armonico," which showcases his innovative approach to the concerto form. Vivaldi's works often featured vibrant melodies and dynamic contrasts, characteristics that are evident in this concerto.
Felix Mendelssohn: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in E Minor - Third Movement
Sir Edward Elgar has written: 'Violin Concerto in B minor,Op.61'