Composer

:

Ernest Bloch

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1947 - 1948

Average_duration

:

9:27

Ernest Bloch's Scherzo Fantasque is a four-movement work for orchestra that was composed in 1946. The piece was premiered on January 23, 1947, by the Cleveland Orchestra under the direction of George Szell. The first movement, marked Allegro con fuoco, is a lively and energetic scherzo that features a playful and syncopated main theme. The music is characterized by its rhythmic vitality and colorful orchestration, with the brass and percussion sections playing a prominent role. The second movement, marked Andante, is a lyrical and introspective interlude that provides a contrast to the exuberance of the first movement. The music is characterized by its lush harmonies and expressive melodies, with the strings and woodwinds taking center stage. The third movement, marked Allegro molto, is a frenetic and virtuosic scherzo that showcases the technical prowess of the orchestra. The music is characterized by its rapid-fire rhythms and intricate counterpoint, with the various sections of the orchestra engaging in a lively dialogue. The final movement, marked Allegro con fuoco, is a triumphant and exuberant finale that brings the work to a thrilling conclusion. The music is characterized by its driving rhythms and soaring melodies, with the brass and percussion sections once again playing a prominent role. Overall, Scherzo Fantasque is a dynamic and colorful work that showcases Bloch's mastery of orchestration and his ability to create music that is both playful and profound.

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