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Piano Concerto No 2 (opus 31) was composed in Walton-on-Thames and Egham, Surrey, between 1977 and 1979. It is cast in the traditional three movements. It was premiered by Thomas Rajna in January 1985.
The first movement, allegro energico (10’40’’), is in sonata form. The main subject, introduced on oboe, provides much of the movement’s musical material. There are two extended solos for the piano, the first marked espressivo at the end of the exposition, the second fulfilling the role of a cadenza appears before the commencement of the recapitulation. In spite of much drama, this first movement has an essentially lyrical character.
The second movement, largo (7’48’’), is a reflective pastorale. It may be viewed as a journey through an ever-changing landscape of mountains, lakes and valleys. The string chorale which opens the movement provides much of the thematic material, the piano entering with a theme of its own.
The third movement, a rondo marked allegro moderato (6’45’’), has two main themes: a contrapuntal one given out by the soloist and a more lyrical one introduced on clarinet. Towards the middle of the movement a carnival-like third theme appears in which soloist and orchestra join for a brief festive moment. The rondo’s opening theme dominates the latter part of the movement, and, following a cadenza, is transformed into a march which brings the concerto to a boisterous end.
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Walton on Thames
United Kingdom