Alexander Scriabin: Piano Concerto Context Composed when he was just 24 years old, Alexander Scriabin’s Piano Concerto was the first of his works to use an orchestra, as well as being the only concerto that he wrote. Although a majority of the concerto was composed in 1896, it wasn’t until Read more…
Ernst von Dohnányi: Piano Concerto No.1 Context As well as being a great pianist and conductor, Ernst von Dohnányi (1877-1960) is most fondly remembered for being a composer. He composed a number of works that were largely popular during his time, although most but his chamber works seem to be Read more…
Edvard Grieg: Piano Concerto in A Context Edvard Grieg composed his famous Piano Concerto in 1868, and remained the only completed concerto by the composer. Grieg was the intended soloist for the 1869 premiere in Copenhagen, however the 25-year old composer had another commitment. Edmond Neupert was drafted in as Read more…
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Rondo for Piano and Orchestra Context Supposedly composed in 1782, around the same time as some of his popular late concertos, Rondo for Piano and Orchestra is a lively work that showcases the composer’s flair for melodic writing. There is still much speculation as to why this Read more…
Miriam Hyde: Piano Concerto No.1 Context Composed in 1933 when she was just 20 years old, Miriam Hyde’s Piano Concerto No.1 was structured from a similar work that was for two pianos. Hailing from Adelaide, Australia, Hyde moved to London in 1932 to study at the Royal College of Music. Read more…
Franz Liszt: Totentanz Context Completed in 1849, Totentanz (‘Dance of the Dead’) is a fiery work for solo piano and orchestra by Hungarian composer, Franz Liszt. The work is primarily based on the Dies irae melody, which Liszt takes and develops into a powerful set of variations. Liszt was known Read more…
Ralph Vaughan Williams: Concerto for Two Pianos Context Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Concerto for Two Pianos was originally composed as a standard concerto for solo piano. Vaughan Williams wrote the work between 1926-1930, and it was first performed in 1933 with Adrian Boult conducting. Technically adventurous and devilishly difficult to perform, Read more…
John Rutter: The Beatles Concerto Context Although largely known for his choral and vocal works, John Rutter has also composed an interesting collection of orchestral works. His three movement concerto for two pianos: The Beatles Concerto, is based on various Beatles songs. The style of this work is reminiscent of the romantic and Read more…
George Gershwin: I Got Rhythm Variations Context Composed largely during a three-week holiday in Palm Beach, George Gershwin’s I Got Rhythm Variations was premiered in January 1934. As the title suggests, the basis of this piece comes from Gershwin’s hit song I Got Rhythm, which featured in the musical Girl Read more…
Clara Wieck-Schumann: Piano Concerto in A minor Context Clara Wieck-Schumann completed her only piano concerto in 1835, when she was aged 15. Already an accomplished touring concert pianist by age 11, Wieck was no stranger to the piano, thus making her Piano Concerto in A minor a true test of Read more…