Description
Dvořák composed this concerto at his publisher's suggestion. He drafted it relatively swiftly in the summer of 1879, but completing the work was a more drawn-out process that lasted until 1882. Dvořák had the famous violinist Joseph Joachim review the violin part, and he also dedicated the concerto to Joachim. However, Joachim's suggestions resulted in numerous revisions, and he ultimately lost interest in the work. Consequently, the world premiere was given by the Czech violinist František Ondříček.
This formally unusual concerto begins and ends with a sonata rondo, and maintains a Slavic tone throughout. After a lyrical middle movement, the work closes with lively Czech dance rhythms.
This Urtext edition is based on both the autograph and the first editions of the score, solo part, and piano reduction. The solo part has been annotated by one of the concerto's most knowledgeable exponents, the world-renowned violinist Augustin Hadelich.
