Composer

:

Bohuslav Martinu

Genre

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

March 31, 1926

Publication Date

:

1957

First Performance

:

February 26, 1947

Average_duration

:

20:56

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Bohuslav Martinu's Concertino (Divertimento) for piano (left hand) & small orchestra, H. 173 was composed in 1938. It premiered on January 12, 1939, in Basel, Switzerland, with pianist Paul Wittgenstein as the soloist and the Basel Chamber Orchestra conducted by Paul Sacher. The piece consists of three movements: Moderato, Andante, and Allegro. The Concertino showcases Martinu's unique style, which blends elements of Czech folk music with modernist techniques. The first movement, Moderato, begins with a lively and rhythmic theme in the orchestra, which is then taken up by the solo piano. The music is characterized by its playful and energetic nature, with frequent changes in tempo and dynamics. The second movement, Andante, is more introspective and lyrical. The piano plays a melancholic melody over a lush orchestral accompaniment, creating a sense of nostalgia and longing. The movement builds to a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet and reflective coda. The final movement, Allegro, is a lively and virtuosic tour-de-force for the soloist. The piano and orchestra engage in a spirited dialogue, with the piano often taking on a percussive role. The music is characterized by its rhythmic vitality and playful humor, with sudden shifts in tempo and unexpected accents. Overall, Martinu's Concertino (Divertimento) for piano (left hand) & small orchestra, H. 173 is a masterful example of his unique style, blending elements of folk music with modernist techniques to create a work that is both playful and profound. The piece is a testament to Martinu's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both technically challenging and emotionally engaging.

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