Frank Thomas (Violin), Ronald Harding (Violoncello), Hubert Pengelly (Pianoforte)
Which are the 'best sellers' among the Violin Concertos of the nineteenth century?
Probably those by Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Brahms, with Max Bruch's G Minor as a good runner-up. The warmth and vigour of its melodies and the interesting richness of its Solo Violin part have fixed this last firmly in the affections of players and their audiences.
The Finale runs a brilliant course. Its melodies are full of fire and rhythmic strength. The First Main Tune is played in thirds, high up, by the Solo Violin. The Second Main Tune is a broad, forceful melody played on the Soloist's lowest string. These, and their recurrence, are the landmarks in a vigorous and effective movement.