Top 5 Violin Concertos

Below are my top 5 Violin Concertos in no particular order. I do not want this to be taken as a difinitive list to end all lists. These are just my thoughts, as they stand today. Who knows, tomorrow they may be different! 

Number 1 - Ludwig van Beethoven, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D Major, opus 61, written in 1806.

"The Gentle Giant." A piece of music made of simple materials, but of enormous scope and structure. A classic feature Beethoven, where he spins an idea or theme into great works. The 5-beat element present almost everywhere in the 1st rate is a perfect example. 

Issue 2 of J. Brahms, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D Major, opus 77, written 1878th

"Depth and romanticism." He must have been in love with a person when he wrote this one 

No. 3 - Jean Sibelius, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D minor, opus 47, written in 1903.

"Emotional, majestic, and exciting." Two outer movements, raw and rugged landscape is contrasted by the beauty of the slow middle movement. Which only has a long melodic line, repeated twice. 

No. 4 - Peter Tchaikovsky, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D Major, opus 35, written in 1878.

"A true blockbuster." This is the most popular violin concerto ever written, and with good reason. Written in a burst of happy inspiration, an audience favorite for more than 125 years, and this shows no signs of going anywhere. 

Number 5 of the great Edward Elgar, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in B minor, Opus 61, written in 1910.

"Victorian pomp and emotional sensitivity combined into one." Maybe I like this so much because of its 'Englishism'! The depth of emotion, genuine sentimentality, regal dignity, and perfect virtuosity inherent in this music is too perfect together. 

This is in no way an official top 5 Simply my own pickings of popular and prestigious concerts. As we write this, who knows, my choice may have changed as it often does with all of my musical tastes and preferences. Can you ever have an all time favorite piece of music? Is it not necessary to change to suit your mood or even the situation? 

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