Hubay: Violin Concerto No.1 in A minor, Op.21 - I. Allegro appassionato
The first movement unfolds a classical Sonata--
Allegro form, but with the free use of solo cadenzas,
these outbursts of virtuoso passages weaving between
the movement's main themes. The opening theme is
introduced by the full orchestra, forte, in military style,
preparing the background for the soloist's entrance. The
solo violin embarks on a short and unexpected cadenza
in a free tempo, which leads to a mellow melody interrupted
by further virtuoso passages. Another cadenza
leads to the main theme presented by the violin. The
woodwinds announce the second theme in the tonicmajor against a background of high-pitched trills from
the soloist. This theme is elaborated in a fantasy-like
development section marked by a dialogue between the
soloist and orchestra. The thematic material is recapitulated,
incorporating further short cadenzas from the
soloist, before the movement concludes with an animated coda.
Hubay: Violin Concerto No.1 in A minor, Op.21 - II. Andante ma non tanto
The contrasting second movement, Andante ma
non tanto, is peaceful in character. It follows without
interruption and begins with a dialogue between the
harp and flute against a soft orchestral background. The
soloist, who plays throughout the movement, presents a
sweet song-like melody. The pastoral mood is
interrupted only by a brief interlude of excitement, after
which the main calm tune returns.
Hubay: Violin Concerto No.1 in A minor, Op.21 - III. Allegro con brio
The orchestral opening of the third movement,
Allegro con brio, presents a short, highly rhythmical
motif which repeats itself obstinately until the soloist's
entrance. It is obstructed by short cadenzas, leading to a
second theme. A slower, quieter tune is introduced by
the orchestra in the major key, repeated by the soloist
and then succeeded by an accompaniment of two harps.
After the recapitulation of the main theme the solo violin
plays the first rhythmical motif over the second
movement's theme played by the orchestra, before the
work ends with a fiery coda.
Hagai Shaham - violin, Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
