Nathan Milstein’s Brahms cadenza, on his Stradivarius
Years ago, I had the chance to perform the Beethoven concerto with orchestra for the first time. I also had the good fortune to play Nathan Milstein’s gorgeous Stradivarius, the 1716 “Maria Teresa” or “ex-Milstein”.
So this month, when I was asked to play the Brahms concerto, I was once again able to play “the Milstein”, thanks to the generosity of its owner and caretaker. This wouldn’t be my first Brahms with orchestra, but I wanted to make it a “first” for the cadenza at least.
Nathan Milstein wrote several versions of a Brahms concerto cadenza, and may very well have played a different one in every performance! And although there is a published version, I couldn’t find a recording of him playing that cadenza as written.
But I loved a version that he played on a 1960 live recording, so I transcribed it and performed it. It was perhaps the first time it had been heard live in 50 years or so.
I’d love for you to learn and perform this piece as well, so I offer you the PDF of my transcription, if you’ll just tell me where to send it:
Before I had to hand the Milstein back, I made a recording of this gem for you:
And if you’d like to hear the original (and you really should!) you can find it here:
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8 thoughts on “Nathan Milstein’s Brahms cadenza, on his Stradivarius”
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Thank you so much Nathan for sharing . I listened to both several times and was moved by the sheer artistry that each , in a unique way moved me emotionally.
In my 85 years, both as student and listener, truly felt something special in your playing.
I hope I get a chance to enjoy more ,,,,
While i still play for my own pleasure , a bit of arthritis the past couple of years allows more for listening . Still would love the print version . would love to work on it with granddaughter Emma , student of Henry Grunier , when she comes home from Penn in several weeks.
Your playing is tremendous! The violin sounds great! I’ve got to say, the chords are extraordinary! I am certainly no expert, but I know what I like. I can’t overstate how good this sounds. Thanks.
Thanks ever so much for sharing your wonderful rendition of the cadenza. Your sound was incredible and you owned it in every way. The tempo changes and rubato effects were perfect. I wish that I could have attended the live performance,
but am grateful for your kind sharing and encouragement. Your idea of perhaps
embarking on Bach Partitas has my attention, too!
…Thank you for your kind sharing. ????
That was awesome! thanks for sharing
Your playing is divine. Very beautiful. Thank you Nathan Cole.
That was truly beautiful. I love your sound and technique. While I’ll never get to the level of playing Brahms (or most concertos – I’m 69 and started playing the violin off and on since I was 52- no easy task for a senior!) I do enjoy listening! Thanks for sharing!
You did a beautiful job, i have always enjoyed your comments and playing. You did it justice especially on his violin. Nathan is the violinist that inspired me to take up the violin when i was very young and yes it was the same concerto. I still have it on long playing lp, a bit scratched but still wonderful to hear him play. Again thanks for letting us hear your perormance.
Very well done. Enjoyed that so much!!!