Description
Prokofiev’s second Violin Concerto was premiered on 1st December 1935 in Madrid, Spain, with the French violinist Robert Soëtens playing the solo Violin part, accompanied by the Madrid Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Enrique Arbós. When writing the concerto Prokofiev was on tour with Robert Soëtens, who commissioned the work, and so the work was composed while the composer was in many different locations.
This concerto is more conventional than some of Prokofiev’s early compositions, which were, perhaps, more bold and adventurous. The piece begins with a graceful melody played by the violin, which reflects those melodies typical to traditional Russian folk music, and pervades the second movement, Andante assai. The third movement’s ‘rondo’ theme, however, has a Spanish feel.
Available here is the Hawkes Pocket score edition (No.732) of Prokofiev’s vibrant and exciting Violin Concerto No.2 in G Minor Op.63, which is ideal for study and perusal use.