The work is in three
movements: A typical performance takes around 28 - 30 minutes.
Analysis The first movement has two contrasting
themes, the first in
dotted rhythm and initially hesitant and the second in
B major (begun by the
cellos), wide-ranging and expressive. These are, in turn, dissected and ornamented by the soloist with formidable virtuosity, using
multiple-stopping and
harmonics and, notably in the
cadenza, the extreme upper register of the violin. The second movement,
Preghiera (Prayer), is a short lyrical
interlude in
A major, with the orchestra
woodwinds and
horns given much prominence. It leads into the concluding
Rondo, a colourful and vivacious piece with a contrasting episode in B major and demanding
bravura playing, but without the first movement's extreme pyrotechnics (suggesting that it was composed earlier). == References ==