Composer

:

Antonin Dvorák

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

Jun 30, 1865

First Performance

:

ca. Apr 26, 1929

Average_duration

:

44:35

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Antonin Dvorák's Concerto for cello & piano in A major, B. 10, was composed in 1865, when the composer was just 24 years old. The work was premiered in Prague in 1866, with Dvorák himself playing the piano part and the cellist Hanus Wihan playing the cello. The concerto is divided into three movements. The first movement, marked Allegro, begins with a majestic orchestral introduction, followed by the cello's entrance with a lyrical theme. The piano then takes up the theme, and the two instruments engage in a lively dialogue. The movement features a number of virtuosic passages for both instruments, as well as a beautiful, soaring melody in the cello's upper register. The second movement, marked Adagio, is a slow, lyrical interlude. The cello introduces a mournful theme, which is then taken up by the piano. The two instruments engage in a tender, expressive dialogue, with the cello often playing in its lower register. The movement builds to a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet, reflective coda. The final movement, marked Allegro moderato, is a lively, dance-like romp. The cello and piano engage in a playful, syncopated dialogue, with the cello often playing pizzicato. The movement features a number of virtuosic passages for both instruments, as well as a lively, folk-like melody in the cello's upper register. The movement builds to a rousing conclusion, with the cello and piano trading off rapid-fire runs and trills. Overall, Dvorák's Concerto for cello & piano in A major is a beautiful, expressive work that showcases the composer's gift for melody and his skill at writing for both the cello and piano. The work is notable for its lyrical themes, virtuosic passages, and lively, dance-like rhythms. It remains a beloved work in the cello repertoire to this day.

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