Composer

:

Alfred Schnittke

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1989 - 1990

Average_duration

:

42:15

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Alfred Schnittke's Concerto for Cello and Orchestra No. 2 was composed in 1990 and premiered on October 12, 1990, in Moscow, Russia. The concerto is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and musical language. The first movement, marked "Moderato," begins with a haunting cello solo that sets the tone for the entire piece. The orchestra enters with a series of dissonant chords, creating a sense of tension and unease. The cello and orchestra engage in a dialogue, with the cello often playing long, lyrical lines while the orchestra provides a backdrop of jagged rhythms and harsh harmonies. The movement ends with a return to the opening cello solo, which fades away into silence. The second movement, marked "Allegro," is a frenzied dance that showcases the virtuosic abilities of the soloist. The cello and orchestra engage in a lively call-and-response, with the cello playing fast, intricate runs while the orchestra provides a driving, rhythmic accompaniment. The movement builds to a frenetic climax before abruptly ending. The final movement, marked "Lento," is a somber meditation on mortality. The cello plays a mournful melody over a sparse, atmospheric accompaniment. The orchestra gradually builds in intensity, with the cello and orchestra engaging in a series of intense, emotional exchanges. The movement ends with a return to the opening melody, played by the cello alone, before fading away into silence. Throughout the concerto, Schnittke employs a wide range of musical techniques, including dissonant harmonies, unconventional rhythms, and extended techniques for the cello. The result is a work that is both challenging and deeply moving, showcasing the composer's unique voice and the cello's expressive capabilities.

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