subject: Max Bruch 1838 - 1920 [print this page] Max Bruch 1838 - 1920 Max Bruch 1838 - 1920
Max Bruch came from cologne in germany, and is remembered particularly for his violin concerto number 1. He had written 3 violin concertos and a lot more material indeed but the 1st violin concerto eclipsed them all, and it is said that he really came to dislike it intensely. Because his other works very often took second place, and that is a shame works like his "scottish fantasy" and "viola and orchestra works" are very good indeed.
I have to add to his agony here, as i have always loved his violin concerto number 1. Particularly the 2nd and 3rd movements (the 2nd is the adagio),and derive great pleasure
from hearing violinists such as sarah chang and maxim vengerov playing the piece. I challenge you to listen to it and guarentee to you, that it will set you up for the whole day. I also like his scottish fantasy very much, and even better when it is being played by vanessa mae (who kind of made it her own several years ago).
Max Bruch held a number of posts across germany during his long career, and also a 3 year period (1880 - 1883) at the liverpool philharmonic society. Where it is said he had a
bit of a reputation of being grumpy, and hard to work with.
Here is a partial list of works.
1/ Kol Nidre
2/ Concerto in A flat minor for Two Pianos and Orchestra,
3/ Violin Concerto,s 1 - 3
4/ Concert Piece for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 84
5/ String Quartet number 2
6/ Symphonies 1 - 3
7/ Scottish Fantasy
8/ A piece for Viola and Orchestra
There is a lot more of course, if the above are anything to guide you by. They will be worth discovering and ofcourse listening to as well, i hope you have found this brief article on max bruch interesting.
