Max Bruch

Famous for his works for solo instruments and orchestra - the Scottish Fantasy, Kol Nidrei and the Violin Concerto, Max Bruch was born in Köln, Germany on 6 January 1838 and died near Berlin on 2 October 1920. Taught by Hiller and Reinecke, his working life consisted of various conducting posts, and from 1891 he was principal teacher of composition at the Berlin Hochschule für Musik.

A selection of articles about Max Bruch

Ensemble. Unusually Memorable - Ron Bierman was in the audience for Mendelssohn, Bruch and Tchaikovsky from Paul Huang and the San Diego Symphony Orchestra conducted by Antonio Méndez

CD Spotlight. Stunning Performances - Gerald Fenech reviews two discs of music by American composer Florence Price. 'This is music overflowing with an abundance of melody, tinged with sadness and regret, which is crying out to be heard.'

CD Spotlight. A Rising Star - Benjamin Britten and Max Bruch violin concertos, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. '... Kerson Leong and the Philharmonia Orchestra provide a coherent and compelling account.'

Ensemble. A Tumultuous Climax - Mike Wheeler listens to Dvořák, Bruch, J S Bach and Rimsky-Korsakov from Daishin Kashimoto and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra with its new chief conductor Kazuki Yamada

Towards the Unknown Region - The late George Colerick discusses Ralph Vaughan Williams as writer on music, particularly when he turns his thoughts towards Beethoven's Choral Symphony

Ensemble. A Real Celebration - Mike Wheeler listens to Dvořák, Bruch and Brahms

CD Spotlight. Natural Sincerity - Max Bruch's complete works for violin and orchestra, enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. 'Antje Weithass is an exceptionally gifted soloist, and her interpretations are phenomenally exciting, vibrant and consistently breathtaking.'

Ensemble. He'll Be Back - Fabien Gabel conducts the Hallé Orchestra, impressing Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Richly Nourished - Hebrew music from violinist Maurice Sklar, heard by the late Howard Smith. 'Sklar's inspirational concert is faithful from start to finish.'

CD Spotlight. Warmth and Empathy - Music by Max Bruch for violin and orchestra, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... Weithaas is a brilliant exponent ...'

Memorable Distinction - Halida Dinova brings her Liszt to New Zealand, by Howard Smith

Ensemble. Undeniably Spellbinding - A cello and piano recital by Jessie Richardson and Simon Callaghan, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Boldly Decisive - Hideko Udagawa plays Brahms and Bruch, heard by Howard Smith. '... a firmly nourished tone ...'

Ensemble. High Fives - Mike Wheeler listens to Canada's National Arts Centre Orchestra and to the NAC Wind Quintet

Ensemble. Superb Control - Wagner, Bruch and Elgar in Nottingham, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ask Alice - On Nicola Benedetti, losing the 'Max' in Max Bruch and the National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Shh ... Out! - Malcolm Miller was at the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra's 75th Anniversary Prom for an audience composition to remember ...

Ensemble. Consummate Artistry - The Israel Piano Trio, heard by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Inspired Artistry - The Israel Piano Trio at London's Wigmore Hall, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller

CD Spotlight. A Noteworthy Introduction - Music by Stravinsky for violin and piano, heard by Howard Smith. '... refreshing naturalness ...'

Ensemble. Finely Controlled - A concert by the Polish National Radio Symphony, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Irresistible Enjoyment - Music by Mozart and Mendelssohn, heard by Howard Smith. '... a truly idiomatic performance ...'

CD Spotlight. Consistently Solid - Kurt Masur and others conduct Mendelssohn, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... too often short on graciousness, charm or buoyancy.'

Ensemble. A Real Barnburner - Another report from this summer's Tanglewood Festival, by Lawrence Budmen

Ensemble. Fine Playing - The Czech National Symphony on tour, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Pros and Cons - Music by Max Bruch, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... unruffled, reasonably considered, technically secure ...'

CD Spotlight. Unusual combination - 'Dance of the Blessed Spirits' for saxophone and organ, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... a lovely technique ...'

CD Spotlight - Bruch rarities. '... the orchestral accompaniment transcends the accepted harmonic idiom, interspersed with Elizabeth Whitehouse's serene arias ...' Should we allow biased opinions to sway musical judgement? with Bill Newman