Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61
Ludwig van Beethoven
Work background
Researched classical background
Quiet timpani strokes introduce a concerto whose spacious orchestral argument gives the violin room for long, singing lines. Beethoven often asks the soloist to embellish or illuminate ideas already heard in the ensemble. The central movement is linked to the final rondo, helping the three movements form a continuous larger journey. Performers choose among different cadenzas and sometimes supply their own.
A listening guide
Listen for the opening repeated-note idea in unexpected places, then compare the cadenza's freedom with the returning orchestra.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Solo violin and orchestra
Premiere: 1806
Franz Clement introduced the concerto in Vienna in December 1806.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Date, title and version notes
Cadenzas vary by performance and are not all by Beethoven.
Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61 - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61 - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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