The Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, opus 26 is one of the most famous violin concertos in musical history . It is also considered the best-known work of German composer Max Bruch. I will begin with a brief explanation of why I chose to analyze this piece, followed by what makes this piece so remarkable. I will then present the musical context – German Romantic period – in which this piece was composed and discuss how it is representative of this period. I will also briefly present the composer's biography and tell about his life and style with this particular piece of music. Next, I will explain the basic structure of a concerto, relate it to this violin concerto, and analyze the relationship between each movement. Then, I will analyze some psychoacoustic parameters of this piece (pitch, dynamics, rhythm and texture). Finally, I will give my assessment of this piece in terms of beauty, musical expression and atmosphere.CONTEXTPersonal. Insightful analysis and understanding of a piece of music might lead me to play it with the emotions the composer wishes to express. As I might take a 10th grade RCM exam in two years, I chose to analyze this piece from the program because it is one of the best violin concertos and the most representative work of its composer. Also, as a member of the Westmount Youth Orchestra, I played the tutti part of Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor, opus 64 and I find it very beautiful. As these two concertos are linked (same country and same musical period), Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1 arouses my curiosity. Historical. This brilliant composition is considered one of the two most important violin concertos of the German Romantic period, along with Mendelssohn's vi...... middle of paper ......ld, Chirstopher. Max Bruch: his life and works. 2nd ed. Woodridge: Boydell, 2005. Print. Kenyon, Nicholas. “Max Bruch (1838-1920).” The BBC Proms pocket guide to the great concertos. London: Faber and Faber, 2003. 60-62. Print.Lee, M. Owen. “Max Bruch: 1938-1920. » The great instrumental works. Pompton Plains (NJ): Amadeus, 2005. 168-69. Print.Samson, Jim. "Romanticism." Grove Music Online. Internet. November 5, 2011. .Veinus, Abraham. “Max Bruch: 1838-1920. » Book of Victor Concertos. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1948. 115-119. Print.Webster, James. “Sonata Form”. Grove Music Online. Internet. November 5, 2011. .Wharram, Barbara. Basic basics of music. Ed. Kathleen Wood. 2nd ed. Mississauga, Ontario: Frederick Harris Music, 2010. Print.