Doppler, F :: Concerto en Re Mineur [Concerto in D minor]

Concerto en Re Mineur [Concerto in D minor]

Doppler, F

Franz Doppler’s Concerto in D minor is a tour de force for two flutes and orchestra (piano). Throughout the entire concerto, the influence opera permeates the texture. The first movement, Allegro Maestoso begins with a fiery introduction, building up to the entrance of both flutes. The flutes lines soar through arpeggiated and scalar passages from the beginning to the end of the movement. Movement II, Andante presents a gorgeous Aria-esque duet between the two flutes and accompaniment. Suddenly, a waltz takes over the previous melody, juxtaposing both old and new texture, then finally closing the movement with the same sense of calm from the beginning of the movement. Movement III, Allegro is powerful, combining the power and grace from the previous two movements. An impressive duo cadenza sits in the middle of the Allegro. Both flute parts intertwine like a glove, and are equal in difficulty. Precise, lightening-fast articulation, control in all dynamics, and technical facility throughout the entire range of the flute is key for Doppler’s Concerto in D minor.