Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 2

Introduction

Max Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 44 was composed during 1877, following a failed attempt in 1874, and dedicated to the great Spanish violinist, Pablo de Sarasate. It was premiered in London by Sarasate, conducted by Bruch, on the 4th of November 1877.

Structure

The concerto has three movements:

1. Adagio ma non troppo (D minor, ending in D major)
2. Recitativo: Allegro moderato (B♭ major) (attacca)
3. Finale: Allegro molto (B♭ major – D major)

A typical performance runs 28 to 30 minutes.