Composer

:

Benjamin Lees

Genre

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1964

Average_duration

:

20:54

The Concerto for String Quartet & Orchestra is a composition by American composer Benjamin Lees. It was composed in 1984 and premiered on March 7, 1985, by the New York Chamber Symphony, with the composer conducting. The concerto is divided into three movements and has a total duration of approximately 25 minutes. The first movement, marked Allegro, begins with a lively and rhythmic theme introduced by the orchestra. The string quartet then enters with a contrasting lyrical melody. The movement features a dialogue between the quartet and the orchestra, with the quartet often playing in unison or in close harmony. The movement ends with a return to the opening theme. The second movement, marked Adagio, is a slow and introspective section. The quartet plays a mournful melody, accompanied by the orchestra. The movement features a solo violin cadenza, which leads into a section where the quartet plays in harmonics. The movement ends quietly, with the quartet playing a delicate melody. The final movement, marked Allegro con brio, is a fast and energetic section. The movement begins with a lively theme played by the orchestra, which is then taken up by the quartet. The quartet and orchestra engage in a lively dialogue, with the quartet often playing virtuosic passages. The movement ends with a triumphant restatement of the opening theme. The concerto showcases Lees' skill in writing for both string quartet and orchestra. The quartet and orchestra are often treated as equal partners, with the quartet playing both solo and ensemble passages. The concerto also features a wide range of textures and moods, from the lively and rhythmic first movement to the introspective second movement to the energetic finale. Overall, the Concerto for String Quartet & Orchestra is a dynamic and engaging work that highlights Lees' mastery of orchestration and composition.

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