concerto. The work is, properly speaking, a concertino rather than a true concerto, as revealed in its formal outlines: a single sonata-form movement with a slow episode inserted between the development and recapitulation sections. A series of flourishes for the soloist gets the concerto underway. The first main theme (trumpet) bubbles along merrily. After this has run its course, the clarinet presents the more lyrical second theme. All this material is developed before a quietly reflective new idea is introduced by the muted trumpet. The frisky main theme then returns, the soloist is given an opportunity for a cadenza, and with a final flourish, the concerto comes to a brilliant conclusion. The first performance was given in Moscow in 1950 with soloist Haykaz Mesiayan and the USSR State Orchestra, Karl Eliasberg conducting. RECOMMENDED LISTENING TINE Tine Thing Helseth (EMI Classics, 2013)
Instrumentation 2 flutes, 1 doubling on piccolo 2 oboes 2 clarinets 2 bassoons 4 horns 2 trumpets 3 trombones tuba timpani bass drum, cymbals, snare drum, triangle harp strings World Premiere c.1950, Moscow First performed by SSO 14 May 2004 (Laurance Gargan, trumpet)