Composer

:

Nikolay Medtner

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

ca. 1940 - 1943

Average_duration

:

35:20

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Nikolay Medtner's Piano Concerto No. 3 in E minor, Op. 60 Ballade is a masterpiece of the Romantic era. It was composed between 1940 and 1943, during the composer's exile in London. The concerto was premiered on November 7, 1944, at the Royal Albert Hall in London, with the composer himself as the soloist and Sir Adrian Boult conducting the BBC Symphony Orchestra. The concerto is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement, marked Allegro, 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 developed throughout the movement, with the orchestra providing a rich and colorful accompaniment. The movement ends with a powerful coda, featuring a brilliant display of pianistic fireworks. The second movement, marked Andante con moto, is a lyrical and introspective ballade. The piano introduces a hauntingly beautiful melody, which is then taken up by the orchestra. The movement is characterized by its rich harmonies and lush orchestration, and the piano part is marked by its delicate and expressive phrasing. The final movement, marked Allegro molto, is a lively and energetic rondo. The piano and orchestra engage in a playful dialogue, with the piano introducing a series of virtuosic variations on the main theme. The movement builds to a thrilling climax, with the piano and orchestra engaging in a frenzied race to the finish. Overall, Medtner's Piano Concerto No. 3 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 a testament to Medtner's genius as a composer and pianist, and remains a beloved work in the repertoire of pianists and orchestras around the world.

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