Composer

:

Bohuslav Martinu

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

Sep 2, 1957 - Jan 3, 1958

Publication Date

:

1959

First Performance

:

Jan 31, 1959

Average_duration

:

23:41

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Bohuslav Martinu's Piano Concerto No. 5, H. 366 Fantasia concertante is a three-movement work for piano and orchestra. It was composed in 1958 and premiered on October 23, 1958, in Boston, Massachusetts, with the Boston Symphony Orchestra conducted by Charles Munch and the composer himself as the soloist. The first movement, marked Allegro moderato, begins with a lively and rhythmic theme in the orchestra, which is then taken up by the piano. The soloist then introduces a more lyrical theme, which is developed throughout the movement. The orchestra and piano engage in a lively dialogue, with the piano often taking on a more virtuosic role. The second movement, marked Andante moderato, is a slow and introspective movement. The piano introduces a melancholic theme, which is then taken up by the orchestra. The movement is characterized by its lyrical and expressive melodies, which are often accompanied by lush harmonies. The final movement, marked Allegro, is a lively and energetic movement. The piano introduces a playful and rhythmic theme, which is then developed throughout the movement. The orchestra and piano engage in a lively and virtuosic dialogue, with the piano often taking on a more dominant role. The movement ends with a triumphant and energetic coda. Overall, Martinu's Piano Concerto No. 5 is characterized by its lively rhythms, expressive melodies, and virtuosic piano writing. The work showcases Martinu's unique blend of neoclassical and modernist styles, with its use of traditional forms and harmonies combined with more dissonant and complex textures.

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