Composer

:

Igor Stravinsky

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1938

Average_duration

:

14:31

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Igor Stravinsky's Concerto for Piano 4 Hands in E flat major, also known as the Dumbarton Oaks Concerto, was composed in 1937. It was commissioned by Robert Woods Bliss, an American diplomat and art collector, as a gift for his wife Mildred's 30th wedding anniversary. The piece was premiered on May 8, 1938, at the Dumbarton Oaks estate in Washington D.C., with the composer himself and his assistant, Soulima Stravinsky, performing the piano parts. The concerto is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and tempo. The first movement, marked Tempo giusto, is a lively and playful dance in 5/8 time. The second movement, marked Allegretto, is more subdued and introspective, with a melancholic melody that is passed between the two pianos. The final movement, marked Con moto, is a fast and energetic romp that brings the concerto to a thrilling conclusion. One of the most striking characteristics of the Dumbarton Oaks Concerto is its use of neoclassical elements. Stravinsky was heavily influenced by the music of the Baroque era, and this concerto reflects that influence in its use of counterpoint, fugue, and other Baroque forms. However, Stravinsky also incorporates modernist techniques such as dissonance and irregular rhythms, creating a unique blend of old and new. Another notable feature of the concerto is its use of two pianos. Stravinsky was known for his innovative approach to orchestration, and in this piece he uses the two pianos to create a rich and complex texture. The two pianos often play in dialogue with each other, creating a sense of conversation or argument between the instruments. Overall, the Dumbarton Oaks Concerto is a masterful work that showcases Stravinsky's unique blend of neoclassical and modernist styles. Its lively rhythms, intricate counterpoint, and innovative use of two pianos make it a thrilling and engaging piece of music.

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