Making an Impression

Donald Macleod explores Bruch’s journey towards his biggest hit, his first Violin Concerto.

“Only true melody outlasts all changes and shifts of time” – so said this week’s composer, Max Bruch, the creator of what may be the world’s best-loved violin concerto. But Bruch would hate us to think of him as a one hit wonder. He even came to resent the very sound of his first Violin concerto, the only piece by which he’s often remembered. All this week, Donald Macleod colours in Bruch’s life story and reveals the breadth of his output, including some of his lesser-heard music.

Today, Bruch begins to make his way in the professional world, though not always smoothly, and lands what looks like a pretty plum job at the court in Koblenz. There are a few bumps in his personal life , but he’s beginning to get ideas for the work that would make his name throughout the world…

Swedish Dances, No 10 (Frisch, nicht zu schnell)
Dene Olding, violin
Piers Lane, piano

Musicaklang, Op 71 No 5
Bath Camerata
Nigel Perrin, conductor

Symphony No 1 (5th movement - Finale)
Bamberg Symphony
Robert Trevino, conductor

Schön Ellen, Op 24
Claudia Braun, soprano
Thomas Laske, baritone
Kantorei Barmen-Gemarke
Kantorei Velbert
Wuppertal Symphony Orchestra
George Hanson, conductor

Violin Concerto No 1 in G minor
Randall Goosby, violin
Philadelphia Orchestra
Yannick Nezet-Seguin, conductor

Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Wales and West