Composer

:

Dmitry Kabalevsky

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1935

Average_duration

:

23:55

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Dmitry Kabalevsky's Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 23, was composed in 1935 and premiered on May 12, 1936, in Moscow, with the composer himself as the soloist. The concerto is divided into three movements: Allegro moderato, Andante semplice, and Allegro molto. The first movement, Allegro moderato, begins with a dramatic orchestral introduction, followed by the entrance of the piano with a virtuosic cadenza. The main theme is introduced by the piano and is developed throughout the movement. The second theme is more lyrical and is played by the strings. The movement ends with a brilliant coda. The second movement, Andante semplice, is a lyrical and introspective piece. The piano plays a simple melody accompanied by the strings. The middle section features a solo for the clarinet, which is then taken up by the piano. The movement ends quietly with a return to the opening theme. The final movement, Allegro molto, is a lively and energetic piece. The piano and orchestra engage in a playful dialogue, with the piano often taking the lead. The movement features a number of virtuosic passages for the piano, including a cadenza. The concerto ends with a triumphant coda. Kabalevsky's Piano Concerto No. 2 is characterized by its lyrical melodies, virtuosic piano writing, and colorful orchestration. The concerto is often compared to the works of Sergei Prokofiev and Dmitri Shostakovich, with whom Kabalevsky was associated as part of the Soviet Union's "Big Three" composers. Despite its popularity, the concerto is not as frequently performed as some of Kabalevsky's other works, such as his Piano Sonata No. 3 or his suite The Comedians.

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