Violin Concerto, Op 14 (Corrected Revised Version)

Description

Corrected, revised edition, incorporating newly discovered details from Barber's personal conducting copy. Includes extensive historical preface.

Form:

1. Allegro
2. Andante
3. Presto in moto perpetuo

Barber provided these program notes for the premiere performance:

The first movement—allegro molto moderato—begins with a lyrical first subject announced at once by the solo violin, without any orchestral introduction. This movement as a whole has perhaps more the character of a sonata than concerto form. The second movement—andante sostenuto—is introduced by an extended oboe solo. The violin enters with a contrasting and rhapsodic theme, after which it repeats the oboe melody of the beginning. The last movement, a perpetuum mobile, exploits the more brilliant and virtuosic character of the violin.

The concerto is scored for two each of flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, horns, and trumpets; timpani, snare drum, piano, and strings.