Mackenzie's Violin Concerto and Pibroch, Op. 42: A Symphony of Artistic Mastery
Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of Mackenzie's Violin Concerto and Pibroch, Op. 42, expertly performed by Malcolm Stewart and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. These compositions embody the musical genius of the British Empire and the vibrant culture of Scotland, offering a delightful orchestral journey that is a must-experience for classical music enthusiasts.
The Genius of Alexander Mackenzie
The works featured—Violin Concerto in C sharp minor and Pibroch, Op. 42—are by Edinburgh-born composer Alexander Mackenzie (1847–1935), a notable figure in late-Romantic British music. The concerto was composed following a commission for the 1885 Birmingham Festival, and the suite Pibroch also highlights Mackenzie’s interest in both classical forms and Scottish folk influences.
The Recordings: Malcolm Stewart and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra
The Violin Concerto and Pibroch, Op. 42, are brought to life by violin soloist Malcolm Stewart and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conducted by Vernon Handley. Written in 1884–5, the concerto was originally intended for the legendary violinist Joseph Joachim. However, Joachim turned it down, and Pablo de Sarasate instead premiered and championed the work. The concerto is described as being solidly in the mid-European Romantic idiom—comparable to the works of Bruch, Dvořák, and Saint-Saëns—with expert craftsmanship and elegant orchestration. The finale interestingly takes the form of a Polish krakowiak rather than referencing Scottish tradition explicitly.