Ahead of this Saturday’s Lamb & Hayward Masterworks: Cowan, Bruch, Price, we spoke to our upcoming soloist and NZSO Concertmaster Vesa-Matti Leppänen, who will perform Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 – a staple of the Romantic repertoire.

Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 is a beloved and frequently performed piece of the repertoire. How do you feel about performing it for the first time?

It's always thrilling to perform a concerto the first time, but also it gives me the opportunity to create my own interpretation of it from scratch, which is a rewarding process.

Are there particular moments that feel especially meaningful, rewarding or challenging to play?

The concerto has its challenges for sure, but the iconic beginning of the concerto and the astoundingly beautiful and reflective second movement are my favourite. The second movement is somehow the most personal of all Bruch's music. Melancholy in a Major key is a heartbreaker!

Bruch himself reportedly got frustrated that this concerto overshadowed his other works. Why do you think this piece has had such lasting resonance with both violinists and audiences?

The concerto never lingers on its main themes, which keeps it compact and almost ‘catchy.’ One melodic high point follows another in quick succession, creating a kind of emotional rollercoaster that sweeps you along from start to finish.

Your 1755 Guadagnini violin has a voice shaped over centuries. How does this instrument respond to the Bruch concerto, and what qualities do you feel it brings to the performance?

The violin has a sweet, warm tone that suits this concerto perfectly.

What kind of care or special attention does an instrument of such an age require to maintain its voice and playability?

Like any violin of that age, whoever the maker, if it’s loved by the one playing it, regular maintenance is enough. Well-made violins are surprisingly easy to keep in good condition!

Have there been any memorable moments or stories involving your Guadagnini that have influenced your musical journey?

I find the history of such instruments the most fascinating. While I don’t know many details about this one, the fact that it has survived some very turbulent times in Europe is a bit of a miracle. When Bruch wrote this concerto in 1866, the violin was already 111 years old!

Book tickets to Lamb & Hayward Masterworks: Cowan, Bruch, Price here.