ON THIS DAY

Bruch's Violin Concerto in G Minor Premiered On This Day in 1868

January 7, 2025

2 MIN READ

The first performance was given by Hungarian virtuoso Joseph Joachim in Bremen, Germany, conducted by Karl Martin Rheinthaler

Max Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26, is widely enjoyed as a beloved concerto in the solo violin repertoire. Recognized alongside his Scottish Fantasy, it stands out as one of his most acclaimed works. The concerto's enduring popularity is underscored by its frequent recordings.

The concerto was completed in 1866 and a performance was given on April 24, 1866 by Otto von Königslow, with Bruch conducting. The concerto then underwent significant revisions with the assistance of renowned violinist Joseph Joachim, culminating in the concerto familiar to audiences today, in 1867. The first performance of the revised concerto was given by Hungarian virtuoso Joseph Joachim in Bremen, conducted by Karl Martin Rheinthaler, on January 7, 1868.

Bruch also composed two more violin concertos, but neither has gained as much attention as his first, which continues to be very popular as a staple of the violin repertoire and loved by audiences. This was a source of great frustration for Bruch, who wrote to Simrock, who published the first concerto:

“Nothing compares to the laziness, stupidity and dullness of many German violinists. Every fortnight another one comes to me wanting to play the first concerto. I have now become rude; and have told them: ‘I cannot listen to this concerto any more – did I perhaps write just this one? Go away and once and for all play the other concertos, which are just as good, if not better.”

In 1903, during his visit to Naples, local violinists congregated near his residence to pay tribute to him. Bruch expressed dissatisfaction, stating:

“On the corner of the Via Toledo they stand there, ready to break out with my first violin concerto as soon as I allow myself to be seen. (They can all go to the devil! As if I had not written other equally good concertos!)”