Max Bruch - Violin Concerto No. 1 - Finale; Cody Conley, violin and Betty Rieley, piano
Channel: East Liberty Presbyterian Church
Date: 07/05/2020

ELPC's own Cody Conley and Betty Rieley have teamed up remotely for this fantastic collaboration from their respective homes! Cody and Betty had been rehearsing together and were scheduled to play this for worship on March 29. Thanks to them both for syncing their performances and sharing it with us!

Max Bruch's (6 January 1838 – 2 October 1920) Violin Concerto No. 1, in G minor, Op. 26 is one of the most popular and recognizable Romantic violin concertos. Bruch began composing the piece in 1864 and finished it in October 1867. The first performance was given in Bremen, Germany, on January 7, 1868. Cody and Betty play the third and final movement of the concerto.

The popularity of the concerto was a source of frustration to Bruch, as it overshadowed his other compositions. The composer’s son recalled his father’s outburst upon receiving yet another invitation to perform the piece:
"The G-Minor Concerto again! I couldn’t bear to hear it even once more! My friends, play the Second Concerto, or the Scottish Fantasia for once!"