BEETHOVEN'S VIOLIN

Košice State Philharmonic
Adam SEDLICKÝ, conductor
Juraj ČIŽMAROVIČ, violin

Program:

Ludwig van Beethoven: Concerto for violin and orchestra in D major, op. 61. 42'
Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy: Symphony no. 4 in A major, op. 90 "Italy" 28'

The leading place that Beethoven's Concerto for violin and orchestra occupies today in violin literature is ensured by the perfect balance between concertante and symphonic style, as well as the choice of themes. They perfectly correspond to the character of the solo instrument, which sounds firm rather than virtuosic. Similar to the two Romances for violin with orchestra accompaniment, Beethoven emphasized emotional and moody elements in this concert, which are an integral part of the soloist's captivating performance. Despite its independence, the violin part organically connects with the orchestra, only in Ronda the violin takes the lead. This movement is both the most dazzling and the most technically demanding part of the work, but the virtuosity here serves – as in most of Beethoven's concertos – exclusively the poetic musical idea and emphasizes the lively character of the music.

Symphony no. 4 A major "Italy" by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy was completed in 1833, but was not published until after the composer's untimely death. Mendelssohn, who spent a long time and carefully chiseling this work, did not see the premiere or the success that the work enjoys to this day. This success was undeniably due to the symphony's calm, pleasant mood – the result of the composer's impressions from his trip to Italy in 1830. While the first part is based on a lively, pulsating rhythm and evokes a literally sunny mood, the second part brings more elegiac and lyrical tones. The waltz melody of the third part follows, and the Finale evokes the character of the Italian jump dance saltarello. The music of the finale has an unmistakable esprit and literally overflows with life and lightness