Composer

:

Robin Holloway

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1987 - 1990

Average_duration

:

39:00

The Concerto for violin & orchestra, Op. 70, was composed by Robin Holloway in 1990. It premiered on November 22, 1990, at the Barbican Centre in London, with the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Andrew Davis and soloist Lydia Mordkovitch. The concerto is divided into three movements. The first movement, marked "Allegro," begins with a lively and rhythmic theme in the orchestra, which is then taken up by the solo violin. The movement is characterized by its energetic and virtuosic writing for the soloist, who is given ample opportunity to display their technical prowess. The second movement, marked "Adagio," is a lyrical and introspective meditation for the solo violin. The orchestra provides a delicate and atmospheric accompaniment, with shimmering strings and gentle woodwind solos. The movement is notable for its expressive and emotional depth, as well as its subtle use of harmony and texture. The final movement, marked "Allegro vivace," is a lively and playful romp, with a jaunty theme that is passed back and forth between the soloist and the orchestra. The movement is characterized by its rhythmic vitality and its use of syncopation and offbeat accents. The concerto ends with a virtuosic cadenza for the solo violin, followed by a triumphant coda. Overall, the Concerto for violin & orchestra, Op. 70, is a challenging and rewarding work for both soloist and orchestra. It showcases Holloway's skillful and imaginative writing for the violin, as well as his ability to create a rich and varied orchestral texture. The concerto is a testament to the enduring appeal of the violin as a solo instrument, and to the power of music to express a wide range of emotions and ideas.

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