Violin Concerto No. 2 (Joachim)

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Violin Concerto No. 2 in D Minor "in the Hungarian Manner" was a remarkable Romantic violin concerto written by the great violinist Joseph Joachim (1831-1907). The critic [David Hurwitz] has called it "the Holy Grail of Romantic violin concertos."

This is a very long work (with a playing time over 45 minutes) and a very difficult one for the soloist. Practicing it has been likened by the violinist [Rachel Barton Pine] to "training to run a marathon".

The concerto is in no way a mere pyrotechnic display for the soloist. It is essentially symphonic in spirit and has rarely received an adequate recording. The work is in three movements that are marked:

1. Allegro un poco maestoso
2. Romanze; Andante
3. Finale alla Zingara: Allegro con spirito

The "Hungarian Manner" is in keeping with the Joachim's Hungarian heritage. He, incidentally, did not distinguish between Hungarian folk music and gypsy music.

Joseph Joachim gave the premiere of the concerto in 1860 in Hanover, Germany. He dedicated the concerto to his friend Johannes Brahms who later reciprocated by dedicating his great [Violin Concerto] to Joachim.

Selected discography

Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 11 "In the Hungarian Style" by Joseph Joachim. Paired with the Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77 by Johannes Brahms. Performed by Rachel Barton Pine (Violin) with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Carlos Kalmar. Cedille Records: CDR 90000 068

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