Brahms: Double Concerto for Violin and Cello | Pinchas Zukerman, Amanda Forsyth & Zubin Mehta

Brahms' final orchestral work is a meeting between equals — in the Concerto for Violin and Cello in A minor op. 102, the cello and violin are put on the same plane. But aside from it's musical significance, the concerto was a peace offering to his longtime friend and collaborator Joseph Joachim. The piece is masterfully performed by soloists Pinchas Zukerman on violin and Amanda Forsyth on cello. They are supported by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Zubin Mehta. The performance took place in Mumbai, India, at the city's National Centre for the Performing Arts.

(00:00) I. Allegro
(17:01) II. Andante
(23:49) III. Vivace non troppo

Johannes Brahms's (1833-1897) Concerto for Violin and Cello in A minor, Op. 102, was his final work for orchestra and the only concerto he composed for two solo instruments. But rather than treating the violin and cello as rivals, Brahms writes for them as equal partners, allowing each instrument to alternate between lyrical reflection and spirited exchange — as companions and sparring partners. The concerto's rich orchestral writing complements this exchange to create a work that's both symphonically grant in scale while remaining intimate and emotional.

The concerto also has a deeply personal story. Brahms composed it in 1887 for cellist Robert Hausmann and violinist Joseph Joachim, the latter being his longtime friend and artistic collaborator. The two men had become estranged after Brahms became involved in the circumstances surrounding Joachim's divorce — reportedly taking Joachim's wife's side — and the concerto served as the composer's attempt to rebuild their friendship. Although it didn't entirely restore the closeness they once had, the work was a significant step toward reconciliation — and also reunited the two musicians on stage for its premiere. Clara Schumann, Brahms' longtime friend reportedly wrote in her diary, "The Concerto is a work of reconciliation. Joachim and Brahms have spoken to one another again."

Brahms, a wunderkind of the Romantic period, was a master when it came to balancing virtuosity with deep expressiveness — from the piece's dramatic opening movement to the peaceful Andante and the energetic, dance-like Finale, the Double Concerto showcases this particular gift. The work demands both technical brilliance and exceptional collaboration from its soloists.

The two soloists performing this challenging and emotional work could hardly have been a better match. Canadian cellist Amanda Forsyth is renowned for her expressive playing, rich tone and versatility as a soloist and chamber musician. Israeli-American violinist Pinchas Zukerman is one of the most celebrated violinists of his generation, admired for his exceptional musicianship, technical brilliance, and decades-long contribution as a performer, conductor and educator.

The performance in this video took place in conductor Zubin Mehta's home city of Mumbai. The conductor is known for his expressive conducting style and has had a long association with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, beginning in 1969 when he first became closely connected with the orchestra. He served as its music director from 1977 until 2019 and still frequently appears as a guest conductor.

Author: Sarah Hucal

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