Composer

:

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Nonet

Compose Date

:

1894

Average_duration

:

26:17

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's Nonet in F minor, Op. 2, was composed in 1894 when the composer was just 19 years old. The piece premiered on March 4, 1895, at the Crystal Palace in London, conducted by August Manns. The Nonet is a chamber work for nine instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, violin, viola, cello, and double bass. The Nonet is divided into four movements. The first movement, marked Allegro energico, begins with a dramatic and forceful theme in the strings, which is then taken up by the winds. The second theme is more lyrical and is introduced by the clarinet. The development section is characterized by intricate counterpoint and a sense of urgency. The movement ends with a recapitulation of the main themes. The second movement, marked Andante con moto, is a lyrical and expressive interlude. The opening theme is introduced by the strings and is then taken up by the winds. The middle section features a solo violin accompanied by pizzicato strings. The movement ends with a return to the opening theme. The third movement, marked Scherzo: Allegro vivace, is a lively and playful scherzo. The opening theme is introduced by the winds and is then taken up by the strings. The trio section features a lyrical theme in the oboe and clarinet, accompanied by pizzicato strings. The scherzo returns with a slightly altered version of the opening theme. The final movement, marked Finale: Allegro molto, is a fast and energetic conclusion to the Nonet. The opening theme is introduced by the strings and is then taken up by the winds. The middle section features a lyrical theme in the oboe and clarinet, accompanied by arpeggiated strings. The movement ends with a triumphant restatement of the opening theme. The Nonet in F minor is characterized by its rich harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and expressive melodies. It is a testament to Coleridge-Taylor's prodigious talent as a composer, and it remains a popular work in the chamber music repertoire.

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