This thesis studies the First Violin Concerto of Max Bruch, who was a composer of the Romantic period. The concerto is a famous composition which many violinists have played. It is also a technically challenging piece which includes emotions and tone colours that the player must express in the right way. There is a lot to learn in the piece and it is a great challenge for the player’s skills. That’s why it is often performed in entrance examinations. The object of this thesis is to create a guide for a player who is starting to practice the concerto.

The thesis includes a short biography of Max Bruch, the history of composing the concerto and some advice for practising the concerto. The work also introduces other compositions by Max Bruch, the qualities of the concerto and analyses music samples from the concerto. The work also includes a CD of the concerto which the author has recorded herself.

In the thesis the author introduces her knowledge of the subject and gives advice for the reader in technical and interpretational matters of playing. She has performed the concerto herself and has written the thesis in the role of a musician, teacher and music historian. The thesis is most useful for a reader who is starting to practise the concerto or he or she needs information about Bruch and his works.