Work of the Week – Jean Sibelius: Violin Concerto

By Christopher Peter
24 Aug 2025

The composer Jean Sibelius as a young man wearing a suit, bow tie, moustache and slightly tousled hair. In the background of the collage is a view of the Sibelius Monument in Helsinki with dozens of metallic tubes, through which the light blue sky is visi

It is one of the most beloved violin concertos of all time – and a work with an unusual backstory. Jean Sibelius first completed his Violin Concerto in D minor with a large orchestra, but the 1904 premiere failed. The composer withdrew the piece and reworked it completely. The revised version of 1905 is the one known today – and has become one of the most frequently performed Romantic violin concertos.

Less known but artistically fascinating is the original 1904 version. It has a loyal following to this day, admired for its bold orchestration and virtuosic richness, bringing out the symphonic qualities of the piece even more directly. However, the large orchestral apparatus of both versions often makes performances difficult to implement.

A Romantic Masterpiece in a New Shape – Sibelius’ Violin Concerto for Reduced Orchestra

Thomas Dorsch has now created a version for reduced orchestra – without altering Sibelius’ musical substance. This new adaptation is based on the 1905 version and scored for a smaller ensemble with double winds, one trombone, and no tuba. It opens up new performance opportunities for smaller venues and ensembles – while maintaining the full emotional impact.

The new version of the Violin Concerto in D minor will be premiered on 30 August 2025 in Lüneburg, near Hamburg, at the final concert of the International Masterclass for Conductors Hamburg 2025. The Lüneburg Symphony Orchestra will perform under the baton of Thomas Dorsch, with violinist Yaojin Zhang as soloist.

All versions of the Violin Concerto by Sibelius are exclusively published by Robert Lienau, part of the Schott Music Group.