Die Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen

Beethoven Violin Concerto Op. 61
Symphony No. 7 Op. 92

Approximate running time
1st part: 40mn - Intermission: 20mn - 2nd part: 40mn

The development of the concerto form, which came to full fruition in the Romantic era, began circa 1750, during a period of profound transition in instrumental music, and Vivaldi was one of its early masters. The concerto featuring a single soloist began to replace the concerto grosso, a form in which a group of soloists (the concertino) engaged in a dialogue with the orchestra. Developments in stringed instrument manufacture and instrument-making facilitated the birth of the first “modern” concerto, turning the spotlight on the skill and virtuosity of the soloist. The only violin concerto composed by Beethoven, has the traditional three-movement structure and dates from 1806, one of the happiest periods in the musician’s life. It received a muted critical reception when it was premiered in Vienna, but is now one of the most frequently recorded works for violin. When several France Musique radio station critics reviewed different versions, they concluded that with Christian Tetzlaff «We are transported to the theatre, with all its light and shadow, and Christian Tetzlaff allows himself considerable latitude as he invents sound upon sound. The dialogue is tense and adversarial, just like its creator Beethoven, who grabs the listener by the arm. This may be emotionally draining, but audiences are insatiable.»

Production Théâtre des Champs-Elysées