Composer

:

Malcolm Arnold

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1956

First Performance

:

Jul 17, 1957

Average_duration

:

12:57

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Malcolm Arnold's Horn Concerto No. 2, Op. 58 was composed in 1957 and premiered on October 17th of the same year at the Royal Festival Hall in London. The concerto is divided into three movements, with a total duration of approximately 18 minutes. The first movement, marked Allegro, begins with a lively and rhythmic theme played by the orchestra. The solo horn enters with a lyrical melody, which is developed throughout the movement. The horn's virtuosic passages are contrasted with more subdued moments, creating a sense of tension and release. The movement ends with a cadenza for the horn, showcasing the soloist's technical abilities. The second movement, marked Andante con moto, is a slow and introspective section. The horn plays a mournful melody, accompanied by the strings. The middle section features a more agitated theme, with the horn and orchestra engaging in a call-and-response dialogue. The movement ends with a return to the opening theme, played by the horn in a higher register. The final movement, marked Con brio, is a lively and energetic section. The horn and orchestra engage in a playful dialogue, with the horn playing a series of rapid-fire runs and trills. The middle section features a more lyrical theme, which is developed by the horn and orchestra. The movement ends with a triumphant coda, bringing the concerto to a thrilling conclusion. Arnold's Horn Concerto No. 2 is characterized by its virtuosic writing for the solo horn, as well as its use of contrasting themes and moods. The concerto showcases the horn's range and versatility, from its lyrical and expressive qualities to its ability to play rapid and complex passages. The work is a testament to Arnold's skill as a composer and his ability to write music that is both technically challenging and emotionally engaging.

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