View source for Violin Concerto (Sibelius)

{{short description|Concerto in three movements by Jean Sibelius}}
{{Infobox musical composition
| name                = Violin Concerto
| composer            = {{nowrap|[[Jean Sibelius]]}}
| image               = Jean Sibelius 1905.tif
| image_upright       = .8
| caption             = The composer ({{c.|1905}})
| border              = Yes
| opus                = 47
| key                 = [[D&nbsp;minor]]
| movements           = 3
| composed            = {{start date|1903}}–1904, {{abbr|rev.|revised}}&nbsp;1905
| publisher           = [[Robert Lienau|Lienau]] (1906){{sfn|Dahlström|2003|p=222}}
| duration            = 38&nbsp;mins. ({{abbr|orig.|originally}} 40&nbsp;mins.){{sfn|Dahlström|2003|pp=220–221}}
| premiere_date       = {{start date|1904|02|08|df=y}}{{sfn|Dahlström|2003|p=221}}
| premiere_location   = [[Helsinki]], [[Grand Duchy of Finland]]
| premiere_conductor  = Jean Sibelius
| premiere_performers = [[Helsinki Philharmonic Society]]<br />{{ill|Victor Nováček|de}} (violin)
}}

The '''Violin Concerto''' in [[D minor]], [[opus number|Op.]] 47 of [[Jean Sibelius]], originally composed in 1904 and revised in 1905, is the only [[concerto]] by Sibelius. It is symphonic in scope and included an extended [[cadenza]] for the soloist that takes on the role of the [[development section]] in the first movement.

== History ==
Sibelius originally dedicated the concerto to the noted violinist [[Willy Burmester]], who promised to play the concerto in [[Berlin]]. For financial reasons, however, Sibelius decided to premiere it in [[Helsinki]], and since Burmester was unavailable to travel to Finland, Sibelius engaged {{ill|Victor Nováček|de}} (1873–1914),<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iUQDFlj1ykkC&q=viktor+novacek+1873+1914&pg=PA198|author1=Ruth-Esther Hillila|author2=Barbara Blanchard Hong|title=Historical Dictionary of the Music and Musicians of Finland|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|pages=198–199|date=1 Jan 1997|isbn=978-0-313-27728-3}}</ref> a Hungarian violin pedagogue of Czech origin who was then teaching at the Helsinki Institute of Music (now the [[Sibelius Academy]]).

The initial version of the concerto premiered on 8&nbsp;February 1904, with Sibelius conducting. Sibelius had barely finished the work in time for the premiere, giving Nováček little time to prepare, and the piece was of such difficulty that it would have sorely tested even a player of much greater skill.  Given these factors, it was unwise of Sibelius to choose Nováček, who was a teacher and not a recognised soloist, and it is not surprising that the premiere was a disaster.<ref name="Madison Symphony">{{cite web|url=http://facstaff.uww.edu/allsenj/MSO/NOTES/0809/5.Jan09.html|title=Madison Symphony Orchestra Program Notes|author=J. Michael Allsen|publisher=University of Wisconsin-Whitewater|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090504020346/http://facstaff.uww.edu/allsenj/MSO/NOTES/0809/5.Jan09.html|archivedate=4 May 2009}}</ref> However, Nováček was not the poor player he is sometimes painted as. He was the first violinist hired by [[Martin Wegelius]] for the Helsinki Institute, and in 1910 he participated in the premiere of Sibelius's string quartet ''[[Voces intimae (Sibelius)|Voces intimae]]'', which received favourable reviews.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vkIWs6nvRs8C&q=novacek&pg=PA437|author=Andrew Barnett|title=Sibelius|publisher=Yale University Press|date=2007|page=205|isbn=978-0-300-11159-0}}</ref>

Sibelius withheld this version from publication and made substantial revisions. He deleted much material he felt did not work. The new version premiered on 19 October 1905 with [[Richard Strauss]] conducting the [[Staatskapelle Berlin|Berlin Court Orchestra]].  Sibelius was not in attendance. Willy Burmester was again asked to be the soloist, but he was again unavailable, so the performance went ahead without him, the orchestra's leader [[Karel Halíř]] stepping into the soloist's shoes. Burmester was so offended that he refused ever to play the concerto, and Sibelius re-dedicated it to the Hungarian "wunderkind" [[Franz von Vecsey|Ferenc von Vecsey]],<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vkIWs6nvRs8C&q=tempest+sibelius&pg=PA170|author=Andrew Barnett|title=Sibelius|publisher=Yale University Press|year=2007|page=172|isbn=978-0-300-11159-0}}</ref> who was aged 12 at the time. Vecsey championed the work, first performing it when he was only 13,<ref name="Madison Symphony" /> although he could not adequately cope with the extraordinary technical demands of the work.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/baden-rno-pletnev-0408.shtml|title=Sibelius: Pelléas and Mélisande, Violin Concerto; Beethoven: Symphony No.6 'Pastorale'|author=Francis Shelton|website=MusicalCriticism.com|date=2008|access-date=2008-11-20|archive-date=2020-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808092555/http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/baden-rno-pletnev-0408.shtml|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The initial version was noticeably more demanding on the advanced skills of the soloist. The revised version still requires a high level of technical facility on the part of the soloist. The original is somewhat longer than the revised, including [[Theme (music)|themes]] that did not survive the revision. Certain parts, like the very beginning, most of the third movement, and parts of the second, have not changed at all. The cadenza in the first movement is exactly the same for the violin part.

===Recent history of the 1904 version===
The Sibelius family has granted occasional permission for a small number of orchestras and soloists to perform the original 1904 version in public.  The first such documented authorisation was for a September 1990 performance by Manfred Gräsbeck, the [[Lahti Symphony Orchestra]] and [[Osmo Vänskä]].<ref name="Philion">{{cite web | url=https://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/stories/a-dangerous-feat-reviving-sibelius-hidden-concerto/ | title=A "Dangerous" Feat: Reviving Sibelius' Hidden Concerto | work=Minnesota Orchestra Inside the Music blog | author=Matthew Philion | date=2021-12-31 | accessdate=2022-01-17}}</ref>  In January 1991, BIS made a commercial recording of the original 1904 version, with [[Leonidas Kavakos]], the Lahti Symphony Orchestra and Vänskä.  Subsequent performances of the 1904 version have been as follows:
* 3 September 2015: [[Elina Vähälä]], [[Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra]], [[Hannu Lintu]] (conductor)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.resmusica.com/2015/09/10/original-sibelius-and-an-aho-premiere-hannu-lintu-and-the-finnish-rso/ | title=Original Sibelius and an Aho premiere: Hannu Lintu and the Finnish RSO | work=ResMusica | author=Derek Ho | date=2015-09-10 | accessdate=2022-01-17}}</ref>
* 28 November 2015: [[Maxim Vengerov]], [[Queensland Symphony Orchestra]],<ref>[https://qso.com.au/sites/qso/files/attachments/media_release_-_november_a_magnificent_month_of_music_for_qso.pdf  QSO Media Release: "November a magnificent month of music for QSO", 3 September 2015] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402124337/https://qso.com.au/sites/qso/files/attachments/media_release_-_november_a_magnificent_month_of_music_for_qso.pdf |date=2 April 2016 }}. Retrieved 5 May 2016</ref> [[Nicholas Carter (conductor)|Nicholas Carter]] (conductor)<ref name=qso>[https://qso.com.au/special-events/qso-maxim-vengerov QSO & Maxim Vengerov] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327211725/https://qso.com.au/special-events/qso-maxim-vengerov |date=2019-03-27 }}. Retrieved 5 May 2016</ref>
* 5 June 2016: Maxim Vengerov, Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, [[Marios Papadopoulos (musician)|Marios Papadopoulos]] (conductor) (The Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford, UK)<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://nickythomasmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Oxford-Philharmonic-press-release-16.07.2015.pdf | title=The newly rebranded Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra launches a star-studded season at the Sheldonian Theatre, with touring and recordings with Maxim Vengerov and Nigel Kennedy | publisher=Nicky Thomas Media Consultancy | date=16 July 2015 | accessdate=2022-01-17 | archive-date=2022-01-18 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118183016/http://nickythomasmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Oxford-Philharmonic-press-release-16.07.2015.pdf | url-status=dead }}</ref>
* 6 June 2016: Maxim Vengerov, Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, Marios Papadopoulos (conductor) (Barbican Centre, London)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.classicalsource.com/concert/oxford-philharmonic-orchestra-at-barbican-hall-maxim-vengerov-plays-the-original-version-of-sibeliuss-violin-concerto-and-conducts-tchaikovskys-pathetique-symphony/ | title=Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra at Barbican Hall – Maxim Vengerov plays the original version of Sibelius's Violin Concerto and conducts Tchaikovsky's Pathétique Symphony | work=Classical Source | author=Edward Clark | date=June 2016 | accessdate=2022-01-17}}</ref>
* 5 and 6 October 2016: Maxim Vengerov, [[Orchestre de Paris]], [[Christoph Eschenbach]] (conductor).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.resmusica.com/2016/10/08/maxim-vengerov-eclatant-dans-le-concerto-de-sibelius-a-la-philharmonie/ | title=Maxim Vengerov éclatant dans le Concerto de Sibelius à la Philharmonie | work=ResMusica | author=Jean-Luc Caron | date=2016-10-08 | accessdate=2022-01-17}}</ref>
* 7 and 8 January 2022: Elina Vähälä, [[Minnesota Orchestra]], Osmo Vänskä (conductor)<ref name="Philion"/><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-orchestras-sibelius-festival-provides-a-star-turn-for-another-finn/600133871/ | title=Minnesota Orchestra's Sibelius Festival provides a star turn for another Finn | work=Minneapolis Star-Tribune | author=Rob Hubbard | date=2022-01-08 | accessdate=2022-01-17}}</ref>
* 30 and 31 March 2023: Elina Vähälä, [[Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra]], Osmo Vänskä (conductor)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.seoulphil.or.kr/perf/calView?perfNo=5281&langCd=en&menuFlag=MFLG0001 | title=Osmo Vänskä conducts Sibelius' Second Symphony | accessdate=2023-03-30}}</ref>
In 2020, Robert Lienau Musikverlag produced the first published version of the original 1904 version of the Violin Concerto.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://internationalmusician.org/sibelius-violin-concerto-in-d-minor-early-version-op-47-1904/ | title=Sibelius: Violin Concerto in D Minor (Early Version, Op. 47/1904) | work=International Musician | author= | date=2020-12-31 | accessdate=2022-01-17}}</ref>

== Music ==
This is the only [[concerto]] that Sibelius wrote, though he composed several other smaller-scale pieces for solo instrument and [[orchestra]], including the six Humoresques for violin and orchestra.

One noteworthy feature of the work is the way in which an extended [[cadenza]] for the soloist takes on the role of the [[development section]] in the [[sonata form]] first movement. Much of the violin writing is purely virtuosic, but even the most showy passages alternate with the melodic. 

This concerto is generally symphonic in scope, departing completely from the often lighter, "rhythmic" accompaniments of many other concertos. [[Donald Tovey]] regarded the concerto as an unparalleled example of this styling and wrote that he had "not met a more original, a more masterly, and a more exhilarating work than the Sibelius violin concerto".{{sfn|Tovey|1936|p=211}}

=== Scoring ===
The concerto is scored for solo [[violin]], 2 [[flute]]s, 2 [[oboe]]s, 2 [[clarinet]]s, 2 [[bassoon]]s, 4 [[french horn|horns]], 2 [[trumpet]]s, 3 [[trombone]]s, [[timpani]] and [[string section|strings]].

=== Movements ===
{{external media
| topic  = Performed by [[Isaac Stern]] with the [[Philadelphia Orchestra]] under [[Eugene Ormandy]]
| audio1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8sgFbQGDD0 I. Allegro moderato]
| audio2 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brnKEsjFxSI II. Adagio di molto]
| audio3 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAJtCAH1mEg III. Allegro, ma non tanto]
}}
Like most concertos, the work is in three [[movement (music)|movements]]:

{{ordered list|list_style_type=upper-roman
|[[Allegro moderato (music)|Allegro moderato]] (with many tempo changes throughout) in [[D minor]], in {{music|time|2|2}} mostly, with some sections in {{music|time|6|4}} and {{music|time|4|4}} [[time signature|time]]
|[[Adagio (music)|Adagio]] di molto in [[B-flat major|B{{music|flat}} major]] and in {{music|time|4|4}} time
|Allegro, ma non tanto in [[D major]] and in {{music|time|3|4}} time}}

==== I. Allegro moderato ====
The first movement opens with a cushion of pianissimo strings pulsating gently. The soloist then enters with a first [[Theme (music)|theme]] featuring a G-A-D motif, which is briefly echoed by a clarinet solo.

[[File:Orchesterwerke Romantik Themen.pdf|450px|page=805]]

After a passionate high F and an unexpected E-flat major chord, the soloist introduces a new, dark theme on the G string. The lower woodwinds and timpani accompany the violinist in several runs. Cadenza-like arpeggios, [[double stop]]s, and more runs from the soloist are accompanied by more woodwind restatements of the theme. The soloist then plays a relatively brief cadenza featuring rapid sixteenth notes and quick string crossings. After an ascending scale from the solo violin in broken octaves, the strings then enter in a symphonic manner, announcing the second half of the exposition material in. The music is then carried on by the bassoons and clarinets before another entrance of the soloist.

The violin plays a gentle, ascending motif, followed by a quick arpeggio which ascends into a heroic theme in [[B-flat minor|B♭ minor]], culminating in ''affettuoso'' octaves. The soloist softly soars in a slow, [[D-flat major|D♭ major]] arpeggio which leads into a tender, winding broken-octave passage built upon the heroic theme. These octaves build to a trill on one string with the winding figure played articulately on another. Another forceful orchestral tutti leads to an extensive violin cadenza. The cadenza occupies the developmental portion of the movement and ends just before the [[Recapitulation (music)|recapitulation]], the heroic theme being played by the violin a semitone higher than before, in [[B minor]]. Returning to [[D minor]], a long trill from the soloist suddenly transitions into the virtuosic coda, requiring remarkable skill in octaves, rapid and wide shifts to [[String harmonics|harmonics]], and ricochet bowing. An upward cascade of double stops, a chord with a fingered harmonic, and a strong final D conclude the first movement.

==== II. Adagio di molto ====
The second movement is very lyrical. A short theme from the clarinets and oboes leads into the main theme, played by the solo violin over [[pizzicato]] strings. [[consonance and dissonance|Dissonant]] accompaniments by the brass dominate the first part of the song-like movement.

[[File:Orchesterwerke Romantik Themen.pdf|450px|page=806]]

After, the orchestra enters boldly with the introductory theme in a tempestuous mood. Suddenly, the solo violin enters with plaintive, double-stopped, polyrhythmic phrases. The passage develops into continuous triplet-sixteenth notes, which lead into a building trill section. After a climactic high C and B-flat, the music relaxes, leading to graceful upward scales in broken octaves by the violinist. Soon after, the solo violin increases the tension once again and finally comes to the movement's main climax, which is essentially a variation of the first theme.

Then, the solo violin restates the first theme and, playing gently grace-noted figures, ends with a light float up to an all-serene harmonic D. Soft [[B-flat major]] chords by the orchestra accompany this tranquil close to the movement.

==== III. Allegro, ma non tanto ====
Tovey describes the final movement as a "[[polonaise (dance)|polonaise]] for [[polar bear]]s".{{sfn|Tovey|1936|p=215}} It opens with four bars of rhythmic percussion, with the lower strings playing 'eighth note – sixteenth note – sixteenth note' figures. The violin boldly enters with the first theme on the G string. This first section offers a complete and brilliant display of violin gymnastics with up-bow [[staccato]] [[double-stop]]s and a run with rapid string-crossing, then octaves, that leads into the first [[tutti]].

[[File:Orchesterwerke Romantik Themen.pdf|450px|page=807]]

The second theme in [[G minor]] is taken up by the orchestra and is almost like a [[waltz]]; the violin takes up the same theme in [[variations (music)|variations]], with [[arpeggio]]s and double-stops. Another short section concluding with a run of octaves makes a bridge into a recapitulation of the first theme.

The second theme is restated, this time in [[D minor]], before leading to the final section introduced by the clarinets and low brass. A passage of [[Harmonic#On stringed instruments|harmonics]] in the violin precedes a sardonic passage of chords and slurred double-stops. A passage of broken octaves leads to an incredibly heroic few lines of double-stops and leaping octaves. A brief orchestral [[tutti]] comes before the violin leads the concerto to the finish with a D major scale up, returning down in flatted [[supertonic]] (then repeated). A flourish of ascending slur-separate sixteenth notes, punctuated by a resolute D from the violin and orchestra, concludes the concerto.

==References==
{{reflist}}
*{{cite book|last=Dahlström|first=Fabian|author-link=:sv:Fabian Dahlström|title=Jean Sibelius: Thematisch-bibliographisches Verzeichnis seiner Werke|trans-title=Jean Sibelius: A Thematic Bibliographic Index of His Works|date=2003|publisher=Breitkopf & Härtel|location=Wiesbaden|language=de|isbn=3-7651-0333-0}}
*{{cite book |last=Tovey |first=Donald |date=1936 |title=Essays in Musical Analysis |volume=3|publisher=Oxford University Press}}
*{{cite book |last=Vernon |first=David |date=2024 |title=Sun Forest Lake: The Symphonies & Tone Poems of Jean Sibelius |location=Edinburgh |publisher=Candle Row Press |isbn=978-1739659943 |ref=none}}

==External links==
* {{IMSLP2|work=Violin Concerto, Op.47 (Sibelius, Jean)|cname=Violin Concerto in D&nbsp;minor, Op.&nbsp;47}}
* [http://www.sibelius.fi/english/musiikki/ork_viulukonsertto.htm "Jean Sibelius: The Music. Violin Concerto". Finnish Club of Helsinki article] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151112140053/http://www.sibelius.fi/english/musiikki/ork_viulukonsertto.htm |date=2015-11-12 }}

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[[Category:Concertos by Jean Sibelius]]
[[Category:Violin concertos|Sibelius Violin Concerto]]
[[Category:1904 compositions]]
[[Category:Compositions in D minor]]
[[Category:Music dedicated to ensembles or performers]]