Composer

:

Camille Saint-Saëns

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1875

Average_duration

:

25:35

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Camille Saint-Saëns composed his Piano Concerto No. 4 in C minor, Op. 44 in 1875. The concerto premiered on April 12, 1875, in Paris, with the composer himself as the soloist. The concerto is divided into three movements. The first movement, marked Allegro moderato, begins with a dramatic orchestral introduction, followed by the entrance of the piano. The piano and orchestra engage in a lively dialogue, with the piano displaying virtuosic runs and arpeggios. The second theme is introduced by the strings, and the movement ends with a grandiose coda. The second movement, marked Allegro vivace, is a scherzo in 6/8 time. The piano and orchestra engage in a playful and energetic dialogue, with the piano displaying its technical prowess in rapid runs and trills. The middle section of the movement features a lyrical melody played by the piano, accompanied by the strings. The third movement, marked Allegro vivace, is a rondo in C major. The movement begins with a lively and cheerful theme played by the orchestra, which is then taken up by the piano. The movement features several contrasting episodes, including a lyrical section in A-flat major and a virtuosic cadenza for the piano. The concerto ends with a triumphant coda. Saint-Saëns' Piano Concerto No. 4 is characterized by its virtuosic piano writing, lively orchestration, and melodic inventiveness. The concerto is considered one of Saint-Saëns' most popular works and is frequently performed in concert halls around the world.

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