Composer

:

Viktor Ullmann

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1940

Average_duration

:

18:40

Viktor Ullmann's Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 25, was composed in 1939 while the composer was interned in the Theresienstadt concentration camp. The piece was premiered in the camp in 1943, with Ullmann himself playing the piano part. The concerto is divided into three movements. The first movement, marked Allegro moderato, begins with a lively and rhythmic piano introduction, which is then taken up by the orchestra. The movement features a number of contrasting themes, including a lyrical second theme introduced by the strings. The piano and orchestra engage in a lively dialogue throughout the movement, with the piano often taking on a virtuosic role. The second movement, marked Andante, is a slow and introspective piece. The piano opens with a mournful melody, which is then taken up by the orchestra. The movement features a number of solo passages for the piano, which are accompanied by delicate and expressive orchestration. The movement ends with a quiet and contemplative coda. The final movement, marked Allegro vivace, is a lively and energetic piece. The movement opens with a playful piano introduction, which is then taken up by the orchestra. The movement features a number of virtuosic passages for the piano, including a cadenza towards the end of the movement. The concerto ends with a triumphant coda, bringing the piece to a rousing conclusion. Despite the difficult circumstances under which it was composed, Ullmann's Concerto for Piano and Orchestra is a testament to the composer's skill and creativity. The piece showcases Ullmann's ability to write for both piano and orchestra, and features a number of memorable themes and virtuosic passages. The concerto remains an important work in the repertoire of 20th-century music.

More....