Composer

:

Alfred Schnittke

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1994

Average_duration

:

16:13

Alfred Schnittke's Concerto for violin, viola, cello & strings was composed in 1983 and premiered on October 14, 1984, in Moscow. The concerto is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and musical language. The first movement, marked "Preludio," begins with a slow, mournful melody played by the solo violin. The viola and cello soon join in, creating a rich, sonorous texture. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the soloists engaging in a series of virtuosic exchanges. The movement ends with a return to the opening melody, played softly and with great tenderness. The second movement, marked "Scherzo," is a lively and playful dance. The soloists engage in a series of intricate, syncopated rhythms, while the strings provide a lively accompaniment. The music is full of unexpected twists and turns, with sudden shifts in tempo and mood. The movement ends with a frenzied coda, in which the soloists engage in a wild, virtuosic display. The final movement, marked "Adagio," is a slow, meditative reflection on the themes of the first movement. The soloists play a series of haunting melodies, accompanied by the strings in a rich, lush texture. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the soloists engaging in a series of passionate exchanges. The movement ends with a return to the opening melody, played softly and with great tenderness. Throughout the concerto, Schnittke employs a wide range of musical techniques, including tonal and atonal harmonies, polyrhythms, and complex counterpoint. The music is full of contrasts, with moments of great beauty and tenderness juxtaposed with passages of intense drama and virtuosity. The soloists are given ample opportunity to showcase their technical prowess, while also engaging in a deep musical dialogue with each other and with the orchestra. Overall, Schnittke's Concerto for violin, viola, cello & strings is a powerful and deeply expressive work, full of rich musical ideas and emotional depth. Its premiere was met with great acclaim, and it has since become a beloved and frequently performed work in the chamber music repertoire.

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