The magical number 4 lies at the heart of this unique wine, which does not immediately reveal all its many facets. A significant number for music too, especially of the Classical period, as the internal organization of musical phrases is often built in groups of four measures and their multiples. Among the most beautiful works of this (and every) era is the singular Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61 (1806), by Ludwig van Beethoven. The first movement, Allegro ma non tropo, in 4/4 time, opens with the characteristic 4, almost imperceptible, drum beats in the first measure, before the orchestra’s entrance. A work that was not immediately appreciated upon its release, was forgotten, but matured astonishingly, subsequently gaining more and more admirers and ultimately earning perhaps the top position among all corresponding works for violin, and perhaps even among all concertante works in general. Its great duration of approximately 45 minutes is exactly what is needed to enjoy the wine with your friends and immerse yourselves in the many charms that both reveal, both upon first and more careful approach.

Among the many great recordings, we can listen to Hilary Hahn, who will appear in July at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Athens Festival). The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is superbly conducted by the great Leonard Slatkin.