Composer

:

Wilhelm Stenhammar

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1904 - 1907

Average_duration

:

29:39

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Wilhelm Stenhammar's Piano Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 23 is a three-movement work for solo piano and orchestra. It was composed between 1910 and 1911 and premiered on November 23, 1912, in Stockholm, Sweden, with the composer himself as the soloist. The first movement, marked Allegro moderato, begins with a dramatic orchestral introduction that sets the tone for the entire concerto. The piano enters with a virtuosic solo passage that leads to the main theme, which is characterized by its sweeping melodies and lush harmonies. The movement features a number of contrasting sections, including a lyrical second theme and a stormy development section. The movement ends with a triumphant restatement of the main theme. The second movement, marked Adagio, is a lyrical and introspective piece that showcases the piano's expressive capabilities. The movement begins with a hauntingly beautiful melody in the strings, which is then taken up by the piano. The piano and orchestra engage in a dialogue throughout the movement, with the piano often taking on a more improvisatory role. The movement ends with a quiet and contemplative coda. The final movement, marked Allegro con fuoco, is a lively and energetic piece that brings the concerto to a thrilling conclusion. The movement begins with a fiery piano solo that leads to the main theme, which is characterized by its rhythmic drive and syncopated rhythms. The movement features a number of virtuosic passages for the piano, as well as a lively fugato section. The movement ends with a triumphant restatement of the main theme, bringing the concerto to a thrilling close. Overall, Stenhammar's Piano Concerto No. 2 is a masterful work that showcases the composer's skill as both a pianist and a composer. The concerto is characterized by its sweeping melodies, lush harmonies, and virtuosic piano writing, as well as its dramatic orchestration and rhythmic drive. It remains a beloved work in the piano concerto repertoire.

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