Composer

:

Alberto Ginastera

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Variations

Compose Date

:

1953

Average_duration

:

25:16

Movement_count

:

12

Movement ....

Alberto Ginastera's 'Variaciones concertantes, Op. 23' is a work for chamber orchestra that was composed in 1953. It was premiered on August 17, 1953, by the Orquesta Sinfónica de la Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, conducted by the composer himself. The work consists of a theme and eleven variations, followed by a coda. The theme is a simple melody played by the solo cello, accompanied by pizzicato strings. The first variation features the oboe, which plays a lyrical melody over a pulsating rhythm in the strings. The second variation is a scherzo, featuring the clarinet and bassoon in a playful dialogue. The third variation is a solo for the trumpet, which plays a virtuosic melody over a syncopated rhythm in the strings. The fourth variation features the harp, which plays a delicate arpeggio figure while the strings play a lyrical melody. The fifth variation is a solo for the violin, which plays a virtuosic melody over a driving rhythm in the strings. The sixth variation features the double bass, which plays a pizzicato ostinato while the woodwinds play a playful melody. The seventh variation is a solo for the flute, which plays a virtuosic melody over a pulsating rhythm in the strings. The eighth variation features the piano, which plays a virtuosic solo over a syncopated rhythm in the strings. The ninth variation is a solo for the viola, which plays a lyrical melody over a pulsating rhythm in the strings. The tenth variation features the percussion section, which plays a driving rhythm while the woodwinds and brass play a playful melody. The eleventh variation is a solo for the cello, which plays a virtuosic melody over a syncopated rhythm in the strings. The coda brings the work to a triumphant close, with the full orchestra playing a majestic version of the theme. 'Variaciones concertantes' is characterized by its use of Argentine folk rhythms and melodies, which are combined with modernist techniques such as serialism and aleatoric elements. The work is also notable for its virtuosic solos, which showcase the individual talents of the members of the orchestra. Overall, 'Variaciones concertantes' is a vibrant and exciting work that demonstrates Ginastera's mastery of orchestration and his unique fusion of traditional and modernist elements.

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