Concerto for Orchestra

Concerto for Orchestra is a revised version of the composer’s doctoral dissertation, Concerto for Violin, Violoncello, Piano and Orchestra. It was originally projected as a unified work with no pauses between movements, but tradition, along with greater ease of comprehension, seemed to indicate the advantage of separating the movements.

Serial techniques are used, with two rows used throughout. The rows have a definite relationship, although the second row is of subordinate importance. The formal structures used are rather traditional. The first movement, "Allegro moderato", has a modified sonata-allegro form with double exposition. Ostinato and rhythmic figures lead to the climax of this movement. The second movement, "Largo", has a very transparent texture and an ABA formal design. The closing "Allegro" vivo employs very vivid, rhythmic virtuoso passages.