Violin Concerto No. 2 (Bartók)

The Violin Concerto No. 2, Sz. 112, BB 117, is a concerto for violin and orchestra composed by Béla Bartók in 1937–38. It is one of the composer's most significant and frequently performed works for solo instrument and orchestra.

Background:

Bartók initially intended the concerto to be a theme and variations based on a melody given to him by the violinist Zoltán Székely. Székely, for whom the concerto was written, desired a showpiece that would display his virtuosity. However, Bartók ultimately expanded the work into a full three-movement concerto in the traditional form, although thematic connections with the opening melody persist throughout. He originally only intended to provide two movements.

Structure:

The concerto is scored for a solo violin and an orchestra comprising 2 flutes (2nd doubling piccolo), 2 oboes (2nd doubling cor anglais), 2 clarinets (in B♭ and A; 2nd doubling E♭ clarinet), 2 bassoons, 4 horns (in F), 2 trumpets (in C), 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion (bass drum, side drum, cymbals, triangle, tam-tam), harp, celesta, and strings.

The concerto consists of three movements:

• I. Allegro non troppo: The first movement is a sonata-form structure, displaying a blend of lyricism and rhythmic drive characteristic of Bartók's mature style. The initial theme, given to the soloist, is lyrical and folk-inspired, while subsequent themes are more angular and dissonant.

• II. Andante tranquillo: The second movement is a set of variations on a relatively simple theme. The variations explore different textures, moods, and instrumental combinations, showcasing Bartók's mastery of orchestration. The movement maintains a predominantly lyrical and introspective character.

• III. Allegro molto: The final movement is a rondo, incorporating elements of the first movement's themes and motifs. This creates a cyclical structure, unifying the concerto as a whole. The movement is highly energetic and virtuosic, providing a thrilling conclusion to the work.

Reception and Legacy:

The Violin Concerto No. 2 was premiered in Amsterdam on March 23, 1939, with Zoltán Székely as soloist and Willem Mengelberg conducting the Concertgebouw Orchestra. It quickly gained recognition as a major addition to the violin repertoire and remains one of Bartók's most popular and respected works. The concerto is praised for its technical brilliance, emotional depth, and its synthesis of folk elements with modern compositional techniques. It is considered a cornerstone of 20th-century violin literature.