Composer

:

Nikolay Medtner

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

ca. 1920 - 1927

Average_duration

:

38:13

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Nikolay Medtner's Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 50, was composed between 1920 and 1927. It premiered on November 7, 1927, in Berlin, with the composer himself as the soloist and the Berlin State Opera Orchestra conducted by Wilhelm Furtwängler. The concerto is divided into three movements. The first movement, marked Allegro, begins with a dramatic orchestral introduction, followed by the entrance of the piano with a virtuosic cadenza. The movement is characterized by its intense and passionate melodies, as well as its intricate and complex piano writing. The second movement, marked Andante con moto, is a lyrical and introspective interlude. The piano takes on a more subdued role, with the orchestra providing a delicate and atmospheric accompaniment. The movement is notable for its use of a solo violin, which adds a haunting and melancholic quality to the music. The final movement, marked Allegro molto, is a lively and energetic tour-de-force. The piano and orchestra engage in a spirited dialogue, with the piano often taking on a percussive and rhythmic role. The movement is characterized by its driving rhythms, virtuosic piano writing, and triumphant conclusion. Overall, Medtner's Piano Concerto No. 2 is a work of great emotional depth and technical brilliance. It showcases the composer's unique style, which combines elements of Romanticism with a modernist sensibility. The concerto is notable for its intricate and complex piano writing, as well as its rich and colorful orchestration. It remains a challenging and rewarding work for both performers and audiences alike.

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