Cadenzas to Beethoven's Violin Concerto, Op.61
Published by Barenreiter
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was the most influential and admired composer of the Romantic Era, and is considered today to be among the greatest composers of classical music to ever live. His music is known variously for its compositional rigor, sublime beauty, organic development, gripping urgency, and life-affirming, universal humanism. He left a significant mark on almost every classical genre he worked in, from string quartets to symphonies.
It is clear that in his Violin Concerto in D Major, Op.61, Beethoven saw expansive possibilities on a symphonic scale. Some of its innovative and unique features seemed strange to the audiences of the time-an extended orchestral introduction, a long duration similar to that of a symphony, and a solo part that emphasized expressivity over virtuosity. Coupled with an uneven performance by its dedicatee Franz Clement (who received the part only two days prior), it was received poorly. It wasn't until Beethoven's death in 1844 that it was revived by a 13-year-old Joseph Joachim and Felix Mendelssohn, this time to considerable acclaim. It is now regarded as one of the foremost concertos of the repertory.
As expected for such a popular concerto, there are many cadenzas available to the diligent performer. This Barenreiter edition contains a representative selection of cadenzas from the more than sixty extent. It is an ideal edition to pair with the Barenreiter edition of the violin concerto itself (sold separately). Includes cadenzas composed or arranged by Leopold Auer, Ottokar Novacek, Ferdinand David, Jacob Dont, Joseph Joachim, Ferdinand Laub, Bernhard Molique, Camille Saint-Saens, Louis Spohr, Henri Vieuxtemps, Eugene Ysaye, and of course Beethoven himself. Master level, grade 6.
