Composer

:

Henri Dutilleux

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1979 - 1985

Publication Date

:

1988

First Performance

:

Nov 5, 1985

Average_duration

:

24:49

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

L'arbre des songes (The Tree of Dreams) is a concerto for violin and orchestra composed by Henri Dutilleux. It was commissioned by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and premiered on December 5, 1985, with violinist Isaac Stern as the soloist and Seiji Ozawa conducting. The concerto is divided into five movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, entitled "Librement," is marked by a sense of freedom and improvisation, with the solo violin weaving in and out of the orchestral texture. The second movement, "Vif," is lively and energetic, with the violin and orchestra engaging in a playful dialogue. The third movement, "Lent," is slow and contemplative, with the violin soaring above a lush, atmospheric orchestral backdrop. The fourth movement, "Large et animé," is expansive and animated, with the violin and orchestra building to a thrilling climax. The final movement, "Rapide et léger," is fast and light-hearted, with the violin darting and dancing through a lively, rhythmic orchestral accompaniment. Throughout the concerto, Dutilleux employs a wide range of orchestral colors and textures, from shimmering strings to percussive brass and woodwinds. The solo violin is often treated as a virtuosic, improvisatory voice, with the orchestra providing a rich and varied backdrop for its flights of fancy. Overall, L'arbre des songes is a masterful showcase for the solo violin, as well as a testament to Dutilleux's skill as an orchestrator and composer. Its premiere was met with critical acclaim, and it has since become a staple of the modern violin concerto repertoire.

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