There’s an interesting piece in The Strad from Peter Quantrill on the state of the violin concerto. Of course, I remember well the lovely cover feature he mentions from 2017 which focused much well-earned attention on Deborah Pritchard’s concerto Wall of Water, commissioned by the English Symphony Orchestra for violinist Harriet Mackenzie.
https://www.thestrad.com/for-subscribers/the-violin-concerto-lives-again-opinion/15979.article
I’m pleased to say we brought another fine new concerto to life recently. If you haven’t already done so, check out Steve Elcock‘s new work with Zoe Beyers at ESO Digital here.
https://eso.co.uk/elcockvc/
There are ‘not quite new’ concertos which REALLY need to be heard more regularly and widely. It’s a national disgrace that John McCabe’s incredible 2nd Violin Concerto awaits its first commercial recording 40 years after it was written. I’ve been trying to record this work for 10 years with no luck!
https://youtu.be/JSUfKm7FCkE
Then there are gorgeous masterpieces by Rautavaara and Schwertsik which have been recorded, but which deserve to be played, played and played again.
Then there are the happy tales, such as the John Adams Violin Concerto, written for my dear, and much missed, friend Jorja Fleezanis, which has become a true repertoire piece in the best sense of the word.
Nevermind the many not-so-new pieces which could and should be widely heard and loved. It’s been great to see the emergence of the Korngold Violin Concerto (a work we were once told wasn’t good enough to be played in CCM orchestra concert!). There are pieces out there such as the Hans Gál Violin Concerto and Concertino, the Weinberg’s and many others which could be just as rightly beloved.
Here’s a Spotify list of a few favourite concertos that I hope you’ll enjoy getting to know or re-visit. It’s not intended to be comprehensive – just a few things I’m pretty sure you’ll love!
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4SDeiuARf5AV7TqX5k62uo?si=425d0ab2e4934499
May I suggest also the two wonderful violin concertos by David Matthews, the second of which is a particular favourite of mine.
Indeed, Justin! You can and you should and you did and I’m grateful!
Doesn’t quite qualify for this playlist, but the David Matthews Double Concerto is a gorgeous piece everyone should here. The slow movement is as lovely as it gets, and incredibly moving.
https://open.spotify.com/album/3TPFll33xUMx8nMhONJw6O?si=3hJgr7qBRMmo4eGnws85mQ
Oh yes, the Double Concerto is a joyous work – so uplifting! I fell in love with it at first hearing.