Beethoven, Violin Concerto in D major Op.61 (Szeryng + Schmidt-Isserstedt) [Violin Part] Score

Details

Description

Composer: L. van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Music: Violin Concerto in D major Op.61
Performance: Henryk Szeryng (violin), Hans Schmidt-Isserstedt (conductor), London Symphony Orchestra, 1965/07 Stereo London DECCA
Analysis, Score Editing, Synch: ScoreMan

0:00 Movement 1: Allegro ma non troppo
25:26 Movement 2: Larghetto
35:44 Movement 3: Rondo (Allegro)

* STRUCTURE & ANALYSIS

I. Allegro ma non troppo

Opens unusually with five soft timpani strokes, setting a mysterious tone.
The violin enters gently, not with fireworks but with graceful lyricism.
This movement is long and symphonic in scale, with thematic development and interplay between soloist and orchestra.
The solo part is virtuosic but never flashy, often melodic and conversational.
Famous cadenzas by later violinists (especially Fritz Kreisler and Joseph Joachim) are often performed.

II. Larghetto

A slow, meditative movement in G major.
Features a simple, song-like theme, with a dialogue between violin and orchestra.
Has an almost spiritual calm, often compared to an aria.
Leads attacca (without pause) into the third movement.

III. Rondo: Allegro

A lively, joyful rondo with Hungarian-style dance rhythms.
The violin showcases technical brilliance with light, playful passages.
Brings the concerto to a spirited, energetic close.

* INTERPRETATION & STYLE

Requires a deep musical sensitivity, not just technical prowess.
The solo part is lyrical, often chamber music-like in its intimacy.
Beethoven treats the violin not as a show-off instrument but as a poetic voice.
Emphasizes dialogue over dominance between soloist and orchestra.

* HISTORY & LEGACY

Premiered in 1806 with Franz Clement, a virtuoso violinist.
The first performance was rushed and not very successful.
The concerto fell into obscurity for decades until Joseph Joachim revived it in 1844 with Felix Mendelssohn conducting.
Since then, it has become a cornerstone of the violin repertoire.


* MUSICAL SIGNIFICANCE

One of the first truly symphonic violin concertos, treating the orchestra as an equal partner.
Influenced later composers like Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and Mendelssohn in their own violin concertos.
Its combination of grandeur, beauty, and intimacy makes it a unique and enduring masterpiece.