Composer

:

Ernest Bloch

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto Grosso

Compose Date

:

1952

Average_duration

:

19:39

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Ernest Bloch's Concerto Grosso No. 2 is a three-movement work for string orchestra and piano obbligato. It was composed in 1952 and premiered on January 22, 1953, by the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Pierre Monteux. The first movement, marked Allegro moderato, opens with a lively and rhythmic theme played by the strings. The piano enters with a virtuosic solo, which is then taken up by the orchestra. The movement features a series of contrasting themes and textures, including a lyrical second theme and a fugal section. The movement ends with a return to the opening material. The second movement, marked Andante moderato, is a lyrical and introspective adagio. The piano introduces a haunting melody, which is then taken up by the strings. The movement features a series of variations on this theme, with the piano and strings trading off solos. The movement ends with a return to the opening material. The third movement, marked Allegro energico, is a lively and rhythmic finale. The movement opens with a driving theme played by the strings, which is then taken up by the piano. The movement features a series of virtuosic solos for the piano and various sections of the orchestra, including a fugue and a cadenza for the piano. The movement ends with a triumphant restatement of the opening material. Overall, Bloch's Concerto Grosso No. 2 is a virtuosic and expressive work that showcases the composer's mastery of orchestration and his ability to blend classical forms with modern harmonies and rhythms. The work is notable for its use of soloistic passages for the piano and various sections of the orchestra, as well as its rich and varied textures.

More....