Composer

:

Ned Rorem

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1950

Average_duration

:

34:13

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Ned Rorem's Piano Concerto No. 2 is a three-movement work for piano and orchestra. It was composed in 1951 and premiered on March 6, 1952, by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, with Leonard Bernstein conducting and the composer as soloist. The first movement, marked Allegro, begins with a lively and rhythmic piano solo, which is soon joined by the orchestra. The music is characterized by its energetic and virtuosic piano writing, as well as its use of syncopated rhythms and jazzy harmonies. The movement features several contrasting sections, including a lyrical second theme and a more subdued middle section, before returning to the opening material for the coda. The second movement, marked Andante, is a slow and introspective piece that showcases the lyrical side of Rorem's writing. The piano introduces a simple and haunting melody, which is then taken up by the orchestra. The movement is notable for its use of lush harmonies and delicate textures, as well as its expressive solo writing for the piano. The final movement, marked Allegro con brio, is a lively and playful piece that brings the concerto to a rousing conclusion. The movement features a lively and syncopated main theme, which is developed throughout the movement in a variety of ways. The piano writing is once again virtuosic and energetic, and the orchestra provides a lively and colorful accompaniment. Overall, Rorem's Piano Concerto No. 2 is a lively and engaging work that showcases the composer's skill as both a pianist and a composer. The concerto is notable for its use of jazzy harmonies and syncopated rhythms, as well as its expressive and virtuosic piano writing.

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