Violin Concerto (opus 40) was composed in 1981 and extensively revised in 1990. It was premiered in 1992 by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Christopher Gay with Vanya Milanova as soloist. The work drew its inspiration from both the Berg and Britten Violin Concertos.

The concerto is a concise work, pentagonal in shape, consisting of five interlinked sections: Threnody 1 – accompanied Cadenza 1 – Scherzino – accompanied Cadenza 2 – Threnody 2. 

All of the musical material is derived from the 12-note row stated by the soloist at the outset. The row is designed so that the open string pitches of the solo instrument are given due prominence, thus enabling the violin to fulfill its idiomatic role within a serial context.

After its initial entry, the violin becomes part of the general musical conversation, gradually asserting its role as soloist as Threnody 1 builds to a climax. After accompanied Cadenza 1, the first half of the work is rounded off with a recall of thematic material from Threnody 1.

The second half of the concerto commences with a sardonic Scherzino in which brass instruments vie with the soloist. Much of this section is built from the last four notes of the 12-note row -a kind of musical ‘tag’. Accompanied Cadenza 2, which follows, is scored for solo violin, oboe and timpani. The final section, Threnody 2, begins with a duo for violin and oboe in which the listener is taken initially through a stormy seascape and then a dream-like skyscape. Following a brief tutti for the full orchestra the opening of the work is reached once more with a closing restatement of the 12-note row. The rather sudden ending to the concerto was later replaced by a more extended ending.

The concerto is noteworthy for its conciseness and sense of balance. It works best if played with restraint so that its many lyrical qualities are allowed to manifest themselves fully. The composer regards it as a Poem for violin and orchestra.

Duration: 15 minutes