Cocktail Party Fact: One of the main themes of the slow movement bears a striking resemblance to a prominent tune in Richard Strauss’ much later “Alpine Symphony.” Check ‘em both out for yourself.

Commitment Factor: About 25 minutes

Vital Statistics: Romantic Period (1868). One of the most popular violin concertos–and the only one with 2-1/2 movements.

What to Listen For: In most classical concertos, including those by Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms (classical in form, not period), the first movement is the longest and most developed, because it introduces the themes of the concerto, as well as the soloist. Most Romantic composers considered this approach old-fashioned. They liked to start with the solo immediately, and keep the orchestra as commentary and accompaniment, not an equal partner. Bruch takes this process to its logical conclusion: the first movement is simply a rhapsodic introduction to the slow movement, which becomes the heart of the work. The concerto succeeds on the quality of its themes, and on the taste and craftsmanship that inform all of Bruch’s best work.