Composer

:

Dmitry Shostakovich

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1967

Average_duration

:

30:43

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Dmitry Shostakovich's Violin Concerto No. 2 in C sharp minor, Op. 129 was composed in 1967 and premiered on October 26, 1967, in Moscow, with David Oistrakh as the soloist and the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Kirill Kondrashin. The concerto is divided into four movements, with a total duration of approximately 35 minutes. The first movement, marked Moderato, begins with a somber and introspective solo violin melody, which is then taken up by the orchestra. The movement is characterized by its lyrical and melancholic themes, which are contrasted with more energetic and rhythmic sections. The second movement, marked Adagio, is a hauntingly beautiful and introspective piece, featuring a solo violin melody that is accompanied by a sparse and delicate orchestration. The movement is notable for its use of extended techniques, such as harmonics and sul ponticello, which create a ghostly and ethereal atmosphere. The third movement, marked Allegro, is a lively and energetic scherzo, featuring a playful and virtuosic solo violin part. The movement is characterized by its rhythmic drive and its use of syncopation and irregular meters. The final movement, marked Largo, is a deeply emotional and introspective piece, featuring a solo violin melody that is accompanied by a lush and expressive orchestration. The movement is notable for its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which create a sense of tension and unease. Overall, Shostakovich's Violin Concerto No. 2 is a deeply personal and introspective work, reflecting the composer's own struggles with illness and mortality. The concerto is characterized by its lyrical and melancholic themes, its use of extended techniques, and its emotional intensity.

More....