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,[1] 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.[2] It premiered the same year in Vienna, achieving great success, where it was conducted by Hans Richter.

Piano Concerto
by Ignacy Jan Paderewski
The composer around 1892
KeyA minor
Opus17
PeriodRomantic
Composed1888 (1888)
Movements3
Premiere
Date1 August 1889 (1889-20-01)
LocationVienna

The work was dedicated to Paderewski's teacher[3] Theodor Leschetizky.

Composition

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The concerto is scored for solo piano, piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes (2nd doubling English horn), 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, timpani, and strings.

It is divided into three movements:

  1. Allegro
  2. Romanze. Andante
  3. Finale. Allegro molto vivace (A major)

The piano concerto usually lasts from 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the interpretation.

Notable recordings

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References

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  1. ^ "Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 17 – Ignacy Jan Paderewski". Retrieved 8 February 2020.
  2. ^ "Piano Concerto in A minor, Op 17 (Paderewski) - from CDA66452 - Hyperion Records - MP3 and Lossless downloads". Piano Concerto in A minor, Op 17. Hyperion Records. Retrieved 8 February 2020.
  3. ^ "Theodor Leschetizky". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 8 February 2020.
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