Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 52 (1989)

Description:

The Concerto for Piano and Small Orchestra was completed in Athens in the summer of 1989 and represents an attempt to return to more classical forms, adapted to the contemporary expressive needs of the composer.

Of the three parts of the work, the initial Allegro con spirito is written in sonata form with two main themes differing in character and expression, followed by development and recapitulation. After the customary cadenza in the solo instrument, it concludes with a brief coda, closing this section with the participation of the orchestra alone.

The slow second part (Andante) at first glance gives the impression of a theme with variations. However, the theme, initially presented by the solo piano without orchestral accompaniment, is followed by a series of musical episodes, not based on the whole theme but on individual segments. These episodes are connected, complemented, and intertwined. Ultimately, the succession of these episodes leads to the recomposition of the original theme, but in a condensed form, and concludes with a “suspended” chord that seamlessly connects the slow part with the Finale.

The Finale (Allegro con brio) is a lively piece, its musical structure partly defined by the periodic return of a characteristic rhythmic element of repeated notes, which broadly resembles a rondo form.

-This is a near-verbatim translation of Sicilianos’s Greek text.