Composer

:

Alan Hovhaness

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1936

Average_duration

:

31:09

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Alan Hovhaness' 'Cello Concerto, Op. 17' is a beautiful and haunting work that was composed in 1936. The piece was premiered in 1937 by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, with the composer himself conducting. The concerto is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, marked "Andante espressivo," begins with a solo cello line that is both lyrical and mournful. The orchestra enters with a gentle accompaniment, and the cello and orchestra engage in a dialogue that is both intimate and dramatic. The movement builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet, reflective coda. The second movement, marked "Allegro," is a lively and rhythmic scherzo. The cello and orchestra engage in a playful dance, with the cello often taking on a virtuosic role. The movement is full of energy and vitality, and provides a stark contrast to the more introspective first movement. The final movement, marked "Andante sostenuto," returns to the melancholic mood of the first movement. The cello sings a mournful melody over a simple accompaniment, and the orchestra gradually builds in intensity. The movement reaches a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet, reflective coda. Throughout the concerto, Hovhaness' use of modal harmonies and exotic scales gives the music a haunting, otherworldly quality. The cello is often used as a solo voice, with the orchestra providing a rich and colorful backdrop. The concerto is a testament to Hovhaness' unique voice as a composer, and remains a beloved work in the cello repertoire.

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