Composer

:

Alberto Ginastera

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1972

Average_duration

:

37:44

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Alberto Ginastera's Piano Concerto No.2, Op. 39 is a three-movement work for piano and orchestra. It was composed in 1961 and premiered on August 6, 1962, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with the composer himself as the soloist and the Argentine National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Juan José Castro. The first movement, marked "Cadenza," begins with a virtuosic solo piano cadenza that sets the tone for the entire concerto. The orchestra enters gradually, providing a backdrop for the piano's intricate and rhythmic melodies. The movement is characterized by its use of irregular meters, syncopated rhythms, and dissonant harmonies, which create a sense of tension and urgency. The second movement, marked "Scherzo," is a lively and playful dance in 6/8 time. The piano and orchestra engage in a lively dialogue, with the piano often taking on a percussive role. The movement is characterized by its use of syncopated rhythms, ostinato patterns, and playful melodies. The final movement, marked "Finale," is a fast and energetic tour-de-force for the soloist. The movement begins with a driving rhythm in the orchestra, which is soon joined by the piano in a series of virtuosic runs and arpeggios. The movement is characterized by its use of complex rhythms, rapid-fire melodies, and a sense of relentless energy that builds to a thrilling conclusion. Overall, Ginastera's Piano Concerto No.2 is a challenging and virtuosic work that showcases the composer's unique blend of traditional Argentine folk music and modernist techniques. The concerto is characterized by its use of irregular meters, syncopated rhythms, and dissonant harmonies, which create a sense of tension and urgency throughout the work. Despite its technical demands, the concerto remains a popular and frequently performed work in the piano repertoire.

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