Composer

:

Maurice Ravel

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1929 - 1931

Average_duration

:

18:58

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Maurice Ravel's Piano Concerto in D major was composed between 1929 and 1931. It was premiered on January 14, 1932, in Paris, with the composer himself as the soloist and the Orchestre Lamoureux conducted by Roger Désormière. The concerto is divided into three movements. The first movement, Allegramente, is characterized by its lively and playful nature. It begins with a bright and cheerful piano solo, which is then joined by the orchestra. The movement features a number of contrasting themes, including a lyrical second theme and a more rhythmic third theme. The movement ends with a virtuosic cadenza for the piano. The second movement, Adagio assai, is much more subdued and introspective. It begins with a hauntingly beautiful melody played by the piano, which is then taken up by the orchestra. The movement is marked by its use of lush harmonies and delicate textures, and it builds to a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet and contemplative coda. The final movement, Presto, is a tour-de-force of virtuosity and energy. It begins with a frenzied piano solo, which is then taken up by the orchestra. The movement features a number of complex rhythms and intricate textures, and it builds to a thrilling conclusion with a dazzling display of pianistic fireworks. Overall, Ravel's Piano Concerto in D major is characterized by its brilliant orchestration, virtuosic piano writing, and eclectic blend of musical styles. It is a masterpiece of the 20th century piano concerto repertoire, and it continues to be widely performed and admired by musicians and audiences alike.

More....