Overture Magazine 2019-20 BSO_Overture_Nov_Dec | Page 17

this extra component to the customary
three-movement concerto formula;
he replied — in another fit of ironic
understatement!—that he felt it was
necessary because the first and third
movements were so “harmless.” The
pianist hurls out a strongly rhythmic
first theme, and the strings contribute a
contrasting sighing melody, which the
piano elaborates soulfully. This music is
repeated, then rolls into a development
section. But in this formal hybrid—part
scherzo dance, part sonata form—the
music suddenly shifts into a radiant
tolling-bells episode.
After two movements of almost
unremitting intensity, Brahms at last
provides repose with perhaps the most
beautiful slow movement he ever
composed. The pianist takes a needed
rest while the solo cello sings a melody
of heartbreaking loveliness; a solo oboe
soon joins in, intensifying the poignancy.
As in the slow movement of Brahms’
Violin Concerto, the soloist never
sings this eloquent theme, but instead
weaves marvelous variants on it. The
movement’s most haunting moment
occurs midway through, when the
piano—now stranded in the distant key
of F-sharp Major and accompanied by
two clarinets—seems to float in some
timeless, otherworldly realm. The cello’s
reappearance with its glorious melody
seems no intrusion.
Brahms showed sure instincts when
he chose to crown his three imposing
movements with a relaxing finale of light-
hearted melodiousness. Beginning with
the piano’s buoyantly skipping theme,
he concocts a succession of melodies
in the genial spirit of his Hungarian
Dances. Notable among them is the
lushly swaying Viennese dance shared
by piano and strings. Throughout, the
pianist’s virtuoso figurations sparkle
like diamonds, especially in Brahms’
vivacious sped-up conclusion.
Instrumentation: Two flutes, two oboes,
two clarinets, two bassoons, four horns,
two trumpets, timpani and strings.
Notes by Janet E. Bedell, © 2019
Peabody Symphony
Orchestra
Peabody Singers
Peabody-Hopkins
Chorus
Friday, December 6
at 7:30 pm
Edward Polochick, conductor
Ann Schein, piano
Daniel Pinkham: Christmas
Cantata, “Sinfonia Sacra”
Francis Poulenc: Gloria, FP 177
Frédéric Chopin: Piano Concerto
No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21
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