Composer

:

Malcolm Forsyth

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1974 - 1978

Average_duration

:

26:07

Malcolm Forsyth's Concerto for Piano and Orchestra is a three-movement work that was composed in 1986. The piece was premiered on February 12, 1987, by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, with pianist Janina Fialkowska as the soloist. The first movement, marked "Allegro," begins with a lively and rhythmic theme in the orchestra, which is then taken up by the piano. The soloist and orchestra engage in a lively dialogue, with the piano often playing virtuosic runs and arpeggios. The movement features several contrasting sections, including a lyrical second theme and a more contemplative middle section. The movement ends with a return to the opening material, with the piano and orchestra engaging in a thrilling coda. The second movement, marked "Adagio," is a slow and introspective piece that features a hauntingly beautiful melody in the piano. The orchestra provides a lush and atmospheric accompaniment, with strings and woodwinds often playing in unison. The movement builds to a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet and reflective coda. The final movement, marked "Allegro con brio," is a lively and energetic piece that features a driving rhythm and playful melodies. The piano and orchestra engage in a spirited dialogue, with the soloist often playing rapid-fire runs and trills. The movement features several contrasting sections, including a lyrical second theme and a more contemplative middle section. The movement ends with a thrilling coda that brings the concerto to a rousing conclusion. Overall, Forsyth's Concerto for Piano and Orchestra is a virtuosic and engaging work that showcases the talents of both the soloist and the orchestra. The piece is characterized by its lively rhythms, lush harmonies, and memorable melodies, and it has become a popular addition to the repertoire of contemporary piano concertos.

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