performances are big hits for many producers. Solo concerts and
performances are most awaited by budding artists. It is through solo
performances that an individual gauges his following and his fame. It
is sad to note that violin performances and orchestra performances do
not generate as much audience as concerts generate.
Audiences are more attracted to rock music and band members banging on
their drums and plucking their guitars. Very few people attend to
violin concertos and other orchestra performances. Only orchestra
enthusiasts and parents support the performances of people from the
orchestra.
Violin concertos suffer the same fate with other orchestra
performances. The Italian word concerto is used to refer to a musical
work with three parts wherein one solo instrument is accompanied by an
orchestra. Concerto has risen from the Baroque period and the concerto
grosso. Violin concertos have been structured into four movements by
Dmitri Shostakovich, Igor Stravinsky and Alban Berg. The famous
violin concertos include the works of Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and
Paganini.
The violin concerto was a perfect avenue for artists' performances
during the 19th century. The concerto advanced during this century and
violinists were regarded as heroes. They are honored, respected and
given high acknowledgement. Violin concertos often have recitative
elements. These elements showed the influence of the opera in Italy.
Paganini flourished in this century and used his unique abilities in
staging performances. He took advantage of the potential of the violin
and pushed the possibilities to the limits.
Two concertos that are worth mentioning is Johannes Brahms and Felix
Mendelssohn-Bartholdy concerto. Brahms concerto was the only concerto
he ever composed. It was first played on January 1, 1879 and Brahms
conducted this first ever performance. The concerto was dedicated to
Joseph Joachim and Joachim had the privilege of playing it during the
first performance.
Brahm worked on the concerto when he retired in Southern Austria in
1878. The concerto was a collaboration of Brahms and Joachim. Joachim
was a good friend of Brahm. The first three movements of the concerto
were finished in august 1878 and Brahm sent a copy to Joachim. Brahm
asked Joachim for his suggestions and Joachim obliged. The concerto's
first movements were thematic and dramatic. The second movement was
composed of many themes and variations.
The Mendelssohn concerto is often associated with child prodigies. The
composer was educated in musical schools and had a public appearance
at the age of 9 and collected his compositions when he was 11.This
concerto was dedicated to Ferdinand David and was completed in many
years. The concerto's first staging was a success. However, David
couldn't make the subsequent performances and sent his pupil to
perform his act.
The next artist who performed the concerto was the then 14 year old,
Joseph Joachim. Joachim did a great job in the concerto and this was
his claim to fame.
The concerto had a wonderful melody because of the composer's gift.
The first movement of the concerto was straightforward and simple. It
was understandable. The movements in the concerto were well
coordinated and the transitions sustained the mood.
These two violin concertos have gained fame and popularity in their
times. Up to now, these concertos are still considered as two of the
best violin concertos. Contemporary artists often perform these
concertos to gain the fame that they want to achieve.
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