Composer

:

Wilhelm Fitzenhagen

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Waltz

Average_duration

:

6:55

Wilhelm Fitzenhagen's Concert Waltzes, Op. 31 is a set of three waltzes for piano and orchestra. The work was composed in 1882 and premiered in Moscow on February 22, 1883, with Fitzenhagen himself as the soloist. The first movement, marked Allegro con fuoco, is a lively and energetic waltz in A major. The main theme is introduced by the solo piano and is then taken up by the orchestra. The second theme, in F-sharp minor, is more lyrical and provides a contrast to the first. The movement features virtuosic passages for the soloist, particularly in the cadenza towards the end. The second movement, marked Andante con moto, is a more subdued waltz in E-flat major. The solo piano introduces a gentle melody that is then taken up by the orchestra. The middle section features a more dramatic theme in C minor, but the movement ends on a peaceful note with a return to the opening melody. The final movement, marked Allegro vivace, is a lively and playful waltz in A major. The solo piano introduces the main theme, which is then taken up by the orchestra. The middle section features a more lyrical theme in F-sharp minor, but the movement ends with a return to the opening theme and a lively coda. Fitzenhagen's Concert Waltzes, Op. 31, is characterized by its virtuosic piano writing, lively rhythms, and memorable melodies. The work is a fine example of the Romantic era's fascination with the waltz, a dance form that was popular throughout Europe in the 19th century.

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