プロコフィエフ ヴァイオリン協奏曲 第2番 ト短調, Op.63

00:00 I. Allegro moderato 10:36 II. Andante assai 20:59 III. Allegro ben marcato Performance time: 27'' 05'' Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 63 *Sergei Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 63* *Violin: Isaac Stern* *Conductor: Leonard Bernstein* *New York Philharmonic* *Recorded January 21, 1957* Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 2 is a masterpiece representing his mature period in the mid-1930s. In contrast to the innovative No. 1 of his youth, this work features accessible melodies and a clear structure, while brilliantly blending a unique sense of rhythm, sharp irony, and transparent lyricism. This concerto is highly regarded not as a technical display, but as a chamber music-like work in which the solo violin and orchestra engage in an equal dialogue. -- Background of Composition In the 1930s, Prokofiev toured various European cities such as Paris, London, and Berlin. Meanwhile, his relationship with his homeland, the Soviet Union, deepened, and he finally returned home in 1936. The Violin Concerto No. 2 was born in the space between his "international activities in Western Europe" and his "return to his homeland," and Prokofiev himself described it as "a concerto I continued writing while traveling to various cities." The theme of the first movement was conceived in Paris, the second movement in Voronezh, and the third movement in Baku; it was truly a work that was completed during his travels. At that time, he was in the midst of a stylistic shift towards works like Romeo and Juliet and *Peter and the Wolf*, and in addition to his previously sharp experimental spirit, he began to emphasize more singable and understandable melodies. Therefore, this work occupies an important position as a bridge between the avant-garde nature of his early works and the accessibility of his later works. -- Composition History Composed in 1935 at the request of the renowned French violinist **Robert Soëtens**. Soëtens was known in the 1930s as an excellent introducer of Prokofiev's works and was a performer with a deep relationship of trust with the composer. The work was completed in 1935 and *December 1, 1935* It premiered in Madrid, Spain, with great success by: Soloist: Robert Soëtens Conductor: Enrique Fernández Arbos Madrid Symphony Orchestra Subsequently, this concerto became part of the repertoire of major violinists worldwide and established itself as one of the representative violin concertos of the 20th century. -- Structure of the piece Three movements, performance time approximately 26-28 minutes. Movement 1: Allegro moderato *G minor* *Sonata form* The first theme, quietly presented by the solo violin alone, is a beautiful melody that symbolizes the entire work. The lack of a flamboyant introduction and the beginning with a simple melody reminiscent of a folk song was highly original for its time. The second theme, in contrast, reveals a bright lyricism, while Prokofiev's unique rhythms and dissonances maintain a delicate tension. In the development section, subtle motifs are skillfully transformed, and the solo and orchestra engage in a close dialogue. -- Movement 2: Andante assai E-flat major. This is the slow movement, the central piece of the entire work. A long, flowing melody is sung by the solo violin, softly supported by the orchestra. Prokofiev's characteristic transparent harmonies are striking, and a beautiful lyricism reminiscent of his opera Romeo and Juliet can be felt. While a quiet tension builds in the middle section, a gentle lyricism is maintained throughout. -- Third Movement: Allegro ben marcato Begins in G minor. Written with the Spanish premiere in mind, it features castanets and a rhythm reminiscent of Spanish dances. Humor and irony are interspersed within the intense rhythm, and the solo violin displays virtuosic technique. The concluding section maintains a powerful momentum, reaching a vivid climax. -- Musical Characteristics This concerto incorporates many elements characteristic of Prokofiev. * Folk-like, easy-to-sing melodies Clear, classical structure Sharp rhythms Unexpected modulations Unique harmonic sense Chamber music-like orchestration Rather than a flashy virtuoso piece, this concerto emphasizes melodic and structural beauty, requiring the soloist not only advanced technique but also a delicate lyricism and sense of rhythm. -- Isaac Stern (1920–2001) A leading American violinist of the 20th century. Born in Ukraine, he emigrated to the United States shortly after birth. He studied in San Francisco and established international fame from the 1940s onward. Stern's characteristics include: Rich and warm tone Powerful expressiveness Intelligent musical interpretation A weighty, lyrical style Furthermore, in the 1960s, he spearheaded the preservation movement for Carnegie Hall, a prestigious New York concert hall, and i...