Composer

:

Francis Poulenc

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1932

Average_duration

:

19:42

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Francis Poulenc's Concerto for 2 pianos & orchestra in D minor, FP 61, was composed in 1932 and premiered on January 5, 1933, in Paris, with the composer and Jacques Février as soloists and the Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire conducted by Roger Désormière. The concerto is divided into three movements: Allegro ma non troppo, Larghetto, and Finale: Allegro molto. The first movement opens with a dramatic orchestral introduction, followed by the entrance of the two pianos playing in unison. The movement is characterized by its lively rhythms, playful melodies, and virtuosic piano writing. The second movement, Larghetto, is a lyrical and introspective interlude, featuring a beautiful melody played by the pianos and accompanied by the orchestra. The final movement, Allegro molto, is a lively and energetic romp, with the pianos engaging in a playful dialogue with each other and the orchestra. The concerto is notable for its blend of classical and modernist elements. Poulenc was influenced by the music of Mozart and Saint-Saëns, but also by the neoclassical style of Stravinsky and the avant-garde techniques of the French group Les Six, of which he was a member. The concerto features a wide range of textures and colors, from the lush orchestral passages to the sparse and angular piano writing. The work also showcases Poulenc's characteristic wit and humor, as well as his gift for melody and harmony. Overall, the Concerto for 2 pianos & orchestra in D minor, FP 61, is a masterful work that demonstrates Poulenc's versatility and originality as a composer. Its combination of classical elegance and modernist experimentation makes it a unique and compelling addition to the repertoire for two pianos and orchestra.

More....