Composer

:

Walter Piston

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1960

Average_duration

:

24:37

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Walter Piston's Violin Concerto No. 2 is a three-movement work for solo violin and orchestra. It was composed in 1957 and premiered on January 9, 1958, by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, with Joseph Silverstein as the soloist and Charles Munch conducting. The first movement, marked Allegro moderato, opens with a lively and rhythmic theme in the orchestra, which is then taken up by the solo violin. The movement is characterized by its energetic and virtuosic solo passages, which are contrasted with more lyrical and expressive sections. The middle section features a cadenza for the solo violin, which showcases the performer's technical abilities. The second movement, marked Adagio, is a slow and introspective meditation. The solo violin begins with a mournful melody, which is then taken up by the orchestra. The movement is characterized by its lush harmonies and expressive lyricism, and the solo violin is given ample opportunity to showcase its expressive capabilities. The final movement, marked Allegro con brio, is a lively and energetic romp. The movement opens with a playful and rhythmic theme in the orchestra, which is then taken up by the solo violin. The movement is characterized by its lively and virtuosic solo passages, which are contrasted with more lyrical and expressive sections. The movement builds to a thrilling conclusion, with the solo violin soaring above the orchestra in a final display of virtuosity. Overall, Piston's Violin Concerto No. 2 is a work of great technical and expressive virtuosity, showcasing the capabilities of both the solo violin and the orchestra. Its three movements are characterized by their contrasting moods and styles, ranging from the energetic and rhythmic to the introspective and lyrical. The work remains a staple of the violin concerto repertoire and a testament to Piston's skill as a composer.

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