Concerto in E minor for Flute and Piano, Op. 63

From the Publisher

In comparison to the Concerto op.53, the orchestra of the Concerto in E minor op.63, printed in Leipzig in 1812, is reinforced with two trumpets and timpani, in addition to the double scoring of oboes, bassoons and horns. Here Schneider demonstrates his ability to orchestrate a concerto and use the wind instruments effectively. The lengthy first movement Allegro maestoso, which lasts almost twenty minutes, is in a somewhat freer concert form. After the dramatic orchestral exposition with an abruptly contrasting elegiac transition to the transition to the second theme, the flute varies the motifs imaginatively, new themes are introduced and presented with virtuosity. Schneider understands perfectly how to combine dramatic and elegiac elements in a richly contrasting way. The theme in the Adagio is of an inspired beauty that corresponds perfectly to the nature of the flute. The gentle accompaniment is broken only by occasional contrasting interjections from the orchestra before returning to the flute, which varies the theme and is finally led by the orchestra with a final interjection on the dominant before attacca moving into the final movement. Formally, here too we have a rondo, the most commonly used form, in the final movement of the instrumental concerto.

Performance duration (approx): 24'

Movements

1. Allegro moderato ( including 2 cadenzas)
2. Adagio
3. Allegro

Item Details

Instrumentation

• Part 1: Flute
• Part 2: Piano