Beethoven’s Concerto in D Major

Gil Shaham’s performance of the Brahms Violin Concerto with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra two seasons ago was one of the season’s highlights, showing off in equal measure the polish and joy that characterize his playing. With his warm and singing sound, he’s able to conjure any number of striking colors from his instrument. He’ll be playing another masterpiece of the concerto repertoire this weekend, Beethoven’s Concerto in D Major.

“It’s this monumental work that, for a long time, I was terrified of!” Shaham said last Monday by phone from New York. “I only started playing it when I was 24 or 25 and I decided that I had better start practicing it or it wasn’t going to get any better.” The work continues to fascinate him. He said, “It does what great music should, it tells a story. It takes you on this incredible journey, from the opening five drumbeats to the dance in the final movement rondo. It’s this D major, D minor, good vs. evil, life vs. death thing that ultimately ends in D major.”

Asked if it’s any different to play in the world’s “major cultural capitols” than smaller cities, Shaham said, “Not really. I think every night is different and different audiences give off different vibes. And Indianapolis is a little bit of a violin Mecca.” He’s never played with Mario Venzago, but is “very much looking forward to it.”

Shaham and his wife, fellow violinist Adele Anthony, have a 1-and-a-half-year-old boy who has changed Shaham’s touring life a bit. “We pack different things now, do things differently and travel together. I remember years where I played probably 200 nights a year, and I’m trying to keep it to 50 now. When I started cutting down I didn’t know if it would work, but now I’m much happier.”
The ISO Concert is April 2-3 at 8 p.m. in Hilbert Circle Theatre on Monument Circle. Tickets are $16-$60: 639-4300, www.indyorch.org.