Robin Holloway - Concerto for Orchestra No. 2 (1979)

[0:00] I. Allegro assai
[7:05] II. Andante ~
[26:41] III. Tempo del primo

[@johnpcomposer]

fascinating and complex textures and development. the orchestration is really superb as well. Also an interesting way of getting about, though I wasn't sure about where the 1st movement actually went--something I"m sure that is evident in microanalysis of the score but not as evident in a visceral sense. A bit noodly and indirect for my taste. Everything is glittery and busy, even the andante, and dramaturgically scattered. What does all of the eclecticism add up to? When I look at large scale works of this kind, I look for something that drives the work forward and holds it together. Although I do love the big build-up and climax of the Andante, even this drags on and doesn't quite deliver the revelatory punch it should as the apex of the concerto. the finale is louder noodling. There is a lot of interesting and powerful music...but I was not compelled by the overall style and voice of this particular composer...but of course he has many different ways of communicating and I may well find other works of his more to my liking.

[@connorcmusician]

based