Piano Concerto (Paderewski)
The Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 17, is the only piano concerto written by the Polish composer and pianist Ignacy Jan Paderewski. It was written in the composer's twenties, with the first movement dating back to 1882, although the majority of the work was composed in 1888 and scored in 1889. After its completion, the composer showed the concerto to his friend Saint-Saëns, who admired it, and especially the andante movement. It premiered the same year in Vienna, achieving great success, where it was conducted by Hans Richter.
The work was dedicated to Paderewski's teacher Theodor Leschetizky.Composition
The concerto is scored for solo piano, piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, timpani, and strings.
It is divided into three movements:
- Allegro
- Romanze. Andante
- Finale. Allegro molto vivace
The piano concerto usually lasts from 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the interpretation.Notable recordings
