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If you’re looking for objectivity, you won’t find it here. I’m a psychologist by profession and an novice violinist. So the following list and the explanations are rigorously subjective, not the sentiment of a professional musician or musical scholar, and will probably modify by the time I finish writing this. Nevertheless, as of today, here are the top 10 violin concertos of all time (in rank order), and why I think so.
Number 1 – Ludwig van Beethoven, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D major, Opus 61, written in 1806.
“The Gentle Giant.” A serene piece of music made of the simplest materials but of immense scope and structure. One of the biggest cultural achievements of Western civilization. Listen peculiarly for the 5-beat element present almost everyplace in the 1st Movement.
Number 2 – Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D Major, Opus 35, written in 1878.
“A unfeigned blockbuster.” This is the most standard violin concerto ever written, and with good reason. Written in a burst of happy inspiration, it has been on the best-seller list of audience favorites for over 125 years, and shows no signs of disappearing.
Number 3 – Johannes Brahms, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D Major, Opus 77, written in 1878.
“Depth and romanticism.” The idealisti combining of classical form and romanticism from the distinguishable voice of classical music’s most introspective poet. He had to have been in love when he wrote this one.
Number 4 – Niccolo Paganini, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No. 2 in B minor, Opus 7, written in 1826.
“Dramatic, theatrical, virtuosic, and seductive.” Italian opera with the violin solo as a kind of super-soprano voice. You may closely see the curtains opening at the opening orchestral introduction. The extreme combining an operatic aesthetic with spectacular instrumental virtuosity by perhaps one of the greatest virtuosos and underrated composers of all time.
Number 5 – Jean Sibelius, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D Minor, Opus 47, written in 1903.
“Emotional, majestic, and exciting.” This has been an audience bestloved ever since it was extrapolated by the outstanding Jascha Heifetz. The rugged nature of the two outer movements is in finish contrast to the exquisite beauty of the slow movement, which has a long melody played only twice.
Number 6 – Felix Mendellsohn, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in E Minor, Opus 64, written in 1844.
“Seamless elegance and heart.” The model of what a violin concerto must be. Pure song from beginning to end. It actually sounds as if it was never in truth “composed,” but always existed in the atmosphere somewhere, only to be plucked out of the sky by Mendellsohn and written down for others to play.
Number 7 – Bela Bartok, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra #2, written in 1939.
“Animalistic fury from the heart of the Eastern European backwoods.” This concerto is simultaneously in classical sonata form, a theme and variations, and with all of the inspiration of an improvised fantasy. Its nature is deep and stark, just as the turmoil of the world the composer lived in.
Number 8 – Dmitri Shostakovich, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, #1, Opus 99, written in the 1950′s.
“The darkness of the 20th Century.” Unusual in being in 4 movements, whereas most concertos are in 3. Introspective and vibrant. The 3rd Movement, “Passacaglia,” is a theme and variations of almost agonizing intensity.
Number 9 – Edward Elgar, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in B Minor, Opus 61, written in 1910.
“Victorian pomp and aroused sensitivity all rolled into one.” This is one of those “old-fashioned” concertos that keeps popping up as timeless. The depth of emotion, authenti sentimentality, regal dignity, and consummate virtuosity inherent is this music is all utterly combined and direct from the composer’s heart.
Number 10 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Violin Concerto #4 in D Major, K. 218, written in 1775.
“Purity, song, and perfection.” How may you have a top-10 list and not include Mozart? In fact, how may Mozart perchance have sunk to 10th place? The 3rd and 5th Concertos may be more popular, but to me this one has such sheer beauty, liveliness, and heart, that it never fails to move me.
Tchaikovsky Shostakovich Piano Concertos Image
Tchaikovsky Shostakovich Piano Concertos Photo
Tchaikovsky Shostakovich Piano Concertos Picture
Tchaikovsky Shostakovich Piano Concertos Pic
Tchaikovsky Shostakovich Piano Concertos Picture
Tchaikovsky Shostakovich Piano Concertos Pic
Most helpful customer reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.
 simply the best
By Sean M. O’neal
Let me preface by saying that I have heard no fewer than 50 recordings of the Tchaikovsky concerto, and this is in my opinion simply the best recording. Yes there are lots of very clean, powerful recordings, but Midori not only is a master of pulling a large sound, and playing very clean, but above all she is *the best* at creating a sublime pianissimo, which she utilizes at many points in the first movement and throughout the second movement. She also is not afraid to take her time, as opposed to flying through the piece as a flashing showpiece.
The Shostakovich is very good too, but I would definitely recommend the recordings of David Oistrakh or Hilary Hahn over this. Her style isn’t crisp enough for my taste for the Shostakovich. Bottom line is the Tchaikovsky is definitely the highlight of this CD, and it is so divine it is more than enough to earn five stars I’m giving the CD.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful.
Five stars for this great classic
By R.Lawrence
I’m not a Abbado fan but I liked this recording of Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto. Midori is good too. This is a five star job from a five star violinist.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful.
Amazon – Midori
By Eileen M. Stephenson
This is a beautiful CD. Midori is first class, the CD reflects her talents! great price too. I saw her in concert in Sioux FAlls, SD and the CD sound is just as good as the concert!
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