Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Work background
Researched classical background
Tchaikovsky wrote this concerto during a stay in Switzerland with the violinist Josef Kotek nearby as a collaborator. Its lyrical first movement is followed by a Canzonetta and a finale with energetic dance character. The work encountered resistance before Adolf Brodsky brought it to performance. What once seemed unusually demanding now forms part of the standard virtuoso violin repertory.
A listening guide
Hear the transition without a break from the intimate Canzonetta into the animated finale.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Solo violin and orchestra
Composition: 1878
Composed in Switzerland; the premiere took place later.
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.
Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35 - 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. 35 - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Browse by year
1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.