Concerto in D Major, Op.61 for violin and piano by Ludwig van Beethoven
Urtext edition by Shin Augustinus Kojima, with cadenzas by Robert Levin and fingerings by Wolfgang Schneiderhan. Published by Henle
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. This Henle urtext edition, up to date with recent research, was edited by Shin Augustinus Kojima, with cadenzas by Robert Levin, and fingerings by Wolfgang Schneiderhan. Piano reduction by Jurgen Sommer. Includes marked and unmarked parts. Master level, grade 6.
