Composer

:

Bernd Alois Zimmermann

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1966 - 1967

Average_duration

:

23:49

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Bernd Alois Zimmermann's Concerto is a composition for cello and orchestra, which was completed in 1950. The piece was premiered on October 22, 1951, in Cologne, Germany, with the composer himself conducting the orchestra. The concerto is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and musical language. The first movement, marked "Allegro moderato," begins with a solo cello cadenza that sets the tone for the entire piece. The orchestra then enters with a series of dissonant chords, creating a tense and dramatic atmosphere. The cello and orchestra engage in a dialogue, with the soloist often playing virtuosic passages that are contrasted by the orchestra's more subdued accompaniment. The movement ends with a return to the opening material, with the cello once again playing a cadenza. The second movement, marked "Lento," is a slow and introspective meditation. The cello plays a mournful melody, accompanied by the orchestra's gentle and ethereal harmonies. The movement is characterized by its use of extended techniques, such as harmonics and glissandi, which create a dreamlike and otherworldly atmosphere. The final movement, marked "Allegro vivace," is a lively and energetic dance. The cello and orchestra engage in a playful and virtuosic dialogue, with the soloist often playing rapid-fire passages that are contrasted by the orchestra's rhythmic accompaniment. The movement is characterized by its use of syncopation and irregular meters, which give it a sense of unpredictability and excitement. Overall, Zimmermann's Concerto is a challenging and complex work that showcases the virtuosity of the soloist and the expressive capabilities of the orchestra. The piece is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies, extended techniques, and unconventional rhythms, which create a sense of tension and drama throughout. Despite its technical demands, the concerto is also deeply expressive and emotional, with each movement exploring a different aspect of the cello's rich and varied sound.

More....