About Concerto 2
1. Concertos in the classical period: establishment of structure
In the late 18th century, during the Classical period, the concerto form was further refined and established as a major genre along with symphonic and chamber music. During this period, the “Sonata Form”, which consists of an introduction, exposition, development, recapitulation, and coda, and in which two themes appear in the exposition and recapitulation sections, was widely used.
(1) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Mozart was one of the composers who brought the classical concerto to perfection. He composed 27 piano concertos that raised the genre to artistic heights.In Mozart’s concertos, the solo instrument and orchestra complement each other on an equal footing. For example, in “Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K. 467,” graceful melody and precise structure are beautifully combined.
(2) Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Haydn also contributed to the development of the classical concerto. His “Cello Concerto No. 1 in C major” is known as a work that expanded the possibilities of the cello. Haydn’s concertos are designed to bring out the best in the solo instrument while at the same time balancing it with the orchestra. 3.
2. The Romantic Period: Pursuit of Passion and Individuality
In the 19th century, the concerto underwent dramatic changes in the Romanticism movement. Concertos of this period emphasized more personal and passionate expression, and the technical aspects of the solo instrument were further developed.
(1) Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Beethoven’s “Piano Concerto No. 5‘Emperor’” is regarded as the forerunner of the Romantic concerto. In this work, the brilliant solo piano and the magnificent orchestra are united to create a heroic atmosphere.
(2) Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
Liszt’s pursuit of superb virtuosity on the piano gave a new direction to the concerto form. In his “Piano Concerto No. 1,” he abandoned the traditional three-movement structure and adopted an innovative form in which the entire work is played in succession.
(3) Other Major Composers
Felix Mendelssohn: His Violin Concerto in E minor is a masterpiece that blends elegance and passion.
Johannes Brahms: His “Violin Concerto” and “Piano Concerto No. 2” are characterized by a close dialogue between solo instrument and orchestra.
Pyotr Tchaikovsky: His “Piano Concerto No. 1” is a masterpiece of the Romantic concerto movement and captivates audiences with its dramatic and magnificent music.
3. Modern and contemporary concertos: the age of diversity
Since the 20th century, the concerto has evolved in more diverse directions. They are characterized by a freedom of expression that is not bound by conventional forms or harmony.
(1) Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)
Rachmaninoff is a composer who carried over the Romantic sentiment into the 20th century. His “Piano Concerto No. 2” and “No. 3” are widely loved for their passionate melodies and superb technique.
(2) Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)
Ravel’s “Piano Concerto in G major” is a unique work influenced by jazz. It is characterized by rhythmic diversity and colorful orchestration.
(3) Bartók Béla (1881-1945)
Bartók composed concertos incorporating elements of folk music. In his “Piano Concerto No. 3” and “Concerto for Orchestra” he developed a unique musical language.
(4) Dmitrij Shostakovich (1906-1975)
Shostakovich reflected social messages and personal feelings in his “Piano Concerto No. 1” and “Cello Concerto No. 1”.
(5) Contemporary Concertos
In the 21st century, concertos incorporating elements of electronic sound, minimalism, and postmodernism have also appeared. Contemporary composers such as John Adams and Philip Glass continue to explore new forms and sounds.
——————-
Conclusion.
Concertos have reflected the musical ideas and techniques of different periods throughout the history of western music. Many composers contributed to their development, beginning with the dialogic forms of the Baroque period, through the passionate expression of the Romantic period, to the diversity of the modern era. The concerto is a genre that symbolizes the fusion of instrumental technique and musical expression, and continues to present new challenges even today. #classic #concerto #片山俊幸
