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Piano Concerto (Ichmouratov)

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Piano Concerto
by Airat Ichmouratov
Piano Concerto by Airat Ichmouratov, conductor's score (front page)
Opus40
Composed2012-2013 (2012-2013)
DedicationJean-Philippe Sylvestre
RecordedChandos Records – CHAN 5281 (released in June 2023), Jean-Philippe Sylvestre piano, London Symphony Orchestra
Duration38 minutes
Movementsthree
Premiere
Date1 May 2024
LocationPalais Montcalm, Quebec City
ConductorAirat Ichmouratov
PerformersJean-Philippe Sylvestre piano, Quebec Symphony Orchestra
The world premiere of Airat Ichmouratov's Piano Concerto, Jean Philippe Sylvestre piano, Quebec Symphony Orchestra, Palais Montcalm, Quebec, May 1, 2024

The Piano Concerto, Op. 40, is a work for piano and orchestra completed by Airat Ichmouratov between 2012 and 2013. Composition remained untouched for a span of ten years until the composer crossed paths with a soloist, Montreal-based pianist Jean-Philippe Sylvestre. Sylvestre's keen enthusiasm for performing the concerto, coupled with his ability to "do it justice and add finishing touches," as described by the composer, led to the revival of the piece.[1] The Piano Concerto was recorded by Chandos on April 19–20, 2022, at St. Luke's in London, with Jean-Philippe Sylvestre as the soloist and the London Symphony Orchestra under the baton of the composer.[2] Its first public performance took place on May 1, 2024, at the Palais Montcalm in Quebec City, with Sylvestre as the soloist, accompanied by the Quebec Symphony Orchestra under Ichmouratov.[3]

Structure

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External audio
Performed by Jean-Philippe Sylvestre with the London Symphony Orchestra under Airat Ichmouratov
audio icon I. Andante affettuoso
audio icon II. Grave Solenne
audio icon III. Allegro moderato

The Concerto comprises 3 movements. A typical performance lasts somewhat around 38 minutes.[4]

  1. Andante affettuoso
  2. Grave Solenne
  3. Allegro moderato

Ichmouratov, recognized as a significant figure in contemporary neo-romantic music internationally[5] and often hailed as a prominent Russian musical figure in Quebec,[6] openly acknowledges the influence of esteemed Russian composers such as Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, Mussorgsky, and Shostakovich, among others, on his music.[7] This influence is evident in his typical style, characterized by neo-romanticism, in this case, a Piano Concerto, featuring melodious and harmonically rich content infused with elements drawn from Russian folk music.[5]

According to Geoff Pearce of Classical Music Daily[8] the composition unfolds across three distinct movements. Exhibiting a romantic flair, the musical style is characterized by virtuosity and a somewhat rhapsodic nature. Filled with abundant energy, it includes frequent mood changes. The first movement encapsulates the essence of the entire piece and could function effectively as an independent work. It traverses a spectrum of emotions, ranging from fervently virtuosic passages to moments of dramatic intensity and serene reflection. The orchestral sections demonstrate skillful composition, while the solo passages require significant technical proficiency from the instruments, especially the woodwinds. The piano part adheres to the tradition of late nineteenth-century Russian piano concertos. Ateş Orga mentions in his article on Colin's Column the form of the concerto, labeling it as an "episodic traversal". He describes the Piano Concerto as an episodic journey, traversing through tempo-contrasted sections. Ideas, once introduced, are revisited in various forms—sometimes abbreviated, hinted at, or even left unresolved—reflecting the unpredictable nature of Ichmouratov's approach to keys. "When I compose, I'm guided by a particular tonality and simply follow its course, often leading to unexpected key relationships," composer explains.[9] Michael Church of BBC Music Magazine also calls Ichmouratov's form in Piano concerto as "episodic".[1]

I. Andante affettuoso - Allegro vivace - Andante cantabile - Allegro vivace

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From the beginning, the timpani alternate between tonic and dominant, as observed in Arthur Kaptainis's analysis. The piano enters with a contemplative melody in D Minor, softly articulated in octaves. This theme evolves harmonically and transitions into an Allegro vivace, where the piano and woodwinds engage in exchange. The buoyant atmosphere gradually diminishes as the piano introduces a noble Andante cantabile theme through a short recitative in G minor. A grand climax featuring the full orchestra gives way to a piano cadenza. Although the recapitulation initially returns to the expected home key of D minor, it eventually resolves in a resolute conclusion in G minor, accentuated by the soloist's assertive fortissimo double octaves.[7]

Main theme in the first movement of Ichmouratov's Piano concerto, Piano solo part

mm. 3–6
{ \new PianoStaff << \new Staff \relative a'' { \clef "treble" \numericTimeSignature\time 4/4 \key d \minor | % 1 \tempo "Andante affettuoso" 4=76 r8.. _\mp ^\markup{ \small {Piano solo} } \stemDown a32 ( \stemDown e2 \stemDown f4 ) | % 2 r8.. \stemDown a32 ( \stemDown e4.. \stemDown d16 ) \times 2/3 { \stemDown a8 ( [ \stemDown d8 \stemDown f8 ) ] } | % 3 \stemDown c'8.. ( [ \stemDown bes32 ) ] \stemDown e,2 \stemDown d16 ( [ \stemDown e16 \stemDown f16 \stemDown g16 ) ] | % 4 \stemDown c8.. ( [ \stemDown a32 ) ] \stemDown d,2 r4 \bar "" } \new Staff \relative a' { \clef "treble" \numericTimeSignature\time 4/4 \key d \minor | % 1 r8.. \stemUp a32 ( \stemUp e2 \stemUp f4 ) | % 2 r8.. \stemUp a32 ( \stemUp e4.. \stemUp d16 ) \times 2/3 { \stemUp a8 ( [ \stemUp d8 \stemUp f8 ) ] } | % 3 \stemDown c'8.. ( [ \stemDown bes32 ) ] \stemUp e,2 \stemUp d16 ( [ \stemUp e16 \stemUp f16 \stemUp g16 ) ] | % 4 \stemDown c8.. ( [ \stemDown a32 ) ] \stemUp d,2 r4 \bar "" } >> }

Allegro vivace theme in the first movement of Ichmouratov's Piano concerto, Piano solo part

mm. 16–17
{ \new PianoStaff << \new Staff \relative d' { \clef "treble" \numericTimeSignature\time 4/4 \key d \minor | % 1 \tempo "Allegro vivace" 4=152 \stemUp d16 ( [ ^\markup{ \small {Piano solo} } \stemUp cis16 \stemUp d16 \stemUp e16 ] \stemUp f16 [ \stemUp e16 \stemUp f16 \stemUp g16 ] \stemUp gis16 [ \stemUp a16 \stemUp bes16 \stemUp cis16 ] \stemDown d16 [ \stemDown e16 \stemDown f16 \stemDown g16 ) ] | % 2 \stemDown gis16 ( [ \stemDown a16 \stemDown bes16 \stemDown a16 ] \stemDown g16 [ \stemDown f16 \stemDown e16 \stemDown d16 ] \stemDown g16 [ \stemDown f16 \stemDown e16 \stemDown d16 ] \stemUp c16 [ \stemUp bes16 \stemUp a16 \stemUp g16 ) ] } \new Staff \relative d { \clef "treble" \numericTimeSignature\time 4/4 \key d \minor | % 1 \stemUp <d f a>8 _. [ ^\mp r8 r8 \stemUp <f a d>8 _. ] \stemUp <g bes d>8 _. [ r8 \stemUp <bes d g>8 _. ] r8 | % 2 \stemUp <d f a>8 _. [ r8 r8 \stemUp <d f a>8 _. ] \stemUp <e g bes>8 _. r8 r4 } >> }

Andante Cantabile theme in the first movement of Ichmouratov's Piano concerto, Piano solo part

mm. 155–158
{ \new PianoStaff << \new Staff \relative g'' { \clef "treble" \numericTimeSignature\time 2/2 \key d \minor | % 1 \tempo "Andante cantabile" 2=58 g1 ^ "  " ^\markup{ \small {Piano solo} } _\pp | % 2 \times 2/3 { \acciaccatura { \stemUp g16*3/2 ( } \stemDown f2 ) ( \stemDown e2 \stemDown d2 } | % 3 g1 ~ | % 4 \stemDown g2 \stemDown d2 ) } \new Staff \relative a' { \clef "treble" \numericTimeSignature\time 2/2 \key d \minor | % 1 r4 \stemUp a4 ( \stemUp f4 \stemUp a4 ) | % 2 \stemUp g4 ( \stemUp f4 \stemUp e8 [ \stemUp f8 ] \stemUp d4 ) | % 3 \stemUp e4 ( \stemUp c4 \acciaccatura { \stemUp c16 } \stemUp a'4 ) \stemUp g8 [ \stemUp f8 ] | % 4 \stemUp g4 ( \stemUp f4 \stemUp e16 [ \stemUp f16 \stemUp e16 \stemUp f16 ] \stemUp d4 ) } >> }

II. Grave Solenne

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Arthur Kaptainis notes that the Ichmouratov regards the central movement, Grave solenne, as a personal reflection encompassing "my thoughts, my feelings, my nostalgia, my sorrow, and my happiness." It begins with a solemn chorale for strings, evoking heartfelt sentiments reminiscent of the final movement of Mahler's Third Symphony. Although initially in C Major, the atmosphere conveys a distinct melancholy, with much of the movement set in C Minor. The piano enters quietly against the gentle clock-like pulse of a harp. Initially, the winds share the spotlight equally, but gradually, the soloist takes charge with increasingly assertive chords. A dramatical climax in C Major is followed by a section where the piano engages in delicate exchanges with the woodwinds and this time clock-like pulse of a glockenspiel. Finally, a soft chord from the piano settles the tonal dispute in favor of the minor mode.[7]

Grave Solenne theme in the second movement of Ichmouratov's Piano concerto, Piano solo part

mm. 464–467
{ \new PianoStaff << \new Staff \relative g'' { \clef "treble" \time 3/4 \key c \minor | % 1 \tempo "Grave solenne" 4=34 \stemDown g32 ( [ ^\markup{ \small {Piano solo} } _\pp \stemDown as32 _\markup{ \italic {dolce} } \stemDown f16 \stemDown es16 \stemDown d16 ] \stemDown es4. ) \stemDown c16 ( [ \stemDown d16 ] | % 2 \stemDown es16 [ \stemDown f16 \stemDown g16 \stemDown as16 ] \stemDown g4 ) \stemDown bes4 ( | % 3 \stemDown g2 ) \stemDown as32 ( [ \stemDown bes32 \stemDown g16 \stemDown f16 \stemDown es16 ] | % 4 \stemDown f4. ) \stemDown d16 [ \stemDown es16 ] \stemDown f16 [ \stemDown as16 \stemDown g16 \stemDown f16 ] } \new Staff \relative c' { \clef "bass" \time 3/4 \key c \minor | % 1 R2.*2 | % 3 \stemDown c2 \stemDown c4 | % 4 \stemDown <bes d>2. } >> }

III. Allegro moderato - Andante - Tempo I

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The finale takes a hopeful turn, Allegro moderato commencing with a burst of orchestral grandeur. Amidst the commotion, the piano introduces an energetic melody in B flat, followed by other instruments, including the xylophone. Trills lead to the introduction of the Andante's second theme by the oboe, sharing the signature rising triplet figure with the previous theme. After some development, including the return of the fanfare, the main theme resurfaces in B flat Minor, following an energetic section marked con sarcasmo. Strings then take over with longer passages played against a restless pulse. The final rendition of the main theme deviates from the expected B flat Major to C Major, the key symbolizing hope in the slow movement.[7]

Allegro moderato theme in the third movement of Ichmouratov's Piano concerto, Piano solo part

mm. 551–554
{ \new PianoStaff << \new Staff \relative bes' { \clef "treble" \numericTimeSignature\time 4/4 \key bes \major | % 1 \tempo "Allegro moderato" 4=100 \stemDown bes8 ^. [ ^\markup{ \small {Piano solo} } _\mf \times 2/3 { \stemDown d16 ( \stemDown f16 \stemDown bes16 ) ] } \stemDown d8 ^. [ \acciaccatura { \stemUp d8 ( } \stemDown cis8 ) ^. ] \stemDown d8 ^. [ \stemDown bes8 ^. ] \acciaccatura { \stemUp d16 ( } \stemDown c16 ) [ \stemDown bes16 \stemDown a16 \stemDown g16 ] | % 2 \stemDown f8 ^. [ \times 2/3 { \stemDown d16 ( \stemDown f16 \stemDown c'16 ] } \stemDown bes8 ) ^. [ \times 2/3 { \stemDown d,16 ( \stemDown f16 \stemDown c'16 ) ] } \times 2/3 { \stemDown bes,16 ( [ \stemDown f16 \stemDown es'16 } \times 2/3 { \stemDown d16 \stemDown bes16 \stemDown g'16 ] } \times 2/3 { \stemDown f16 [ \stemDown d16 \stemDown c'16 } \times 2/3 { \stemDown bes16 \stemDown f16 \stemDown es'16 ] } \break | % 3 \times 2/3 { \stemDown d16 [ \stemDown bes16 \stemDown g'16 } \times 2/3 { \stemDown f16 \stemDown d16 \stemDown c'16 ) ] } \stemDown bes32 ( [ \stemDown a32 \stemDown g32 \stemDown f32 \stemDown es32 \stemDown d32 \stemDown c32 \stemDown bes32 ] \stemDown a32 [ \stemDown g32 \stemDown f32 \stemDown es32 \stemDown d32 \stemDown c32 \stemDown bes32 \stemDown a32 ] \once \omit TupletBracket \times 8/9 { \stemUp g32 [ \stemUp f32 \stemUp es32 \stemUp d32 \stemUp c32 \stemUp bes32 \stemUp a32 \stemUp g32 \stemUp f32 ] } | % 4 \stemUp es8 ) _. r8 r4 r2 } \new Staff \relative bes { \clef "treble" \numericTimeSignature\time 4/4 \key bes \major | % 1 \stemUp bes8 _. [ \times 2/3 { \stemUp d16 ( \stemUp f16 \stemUp bes16 ) ] } \stemDown d8 ^. [ \acciaccatura { \stemUp d8 ( } \stemDown cis8 ) ^. ] \stemDown d8 ^. [ \stemDown bes8 ^. ] \acciaccatura { \stemUp d16 ( } \stemUp c16 ) [ \stemUp bes16 \stemUp a16 \stemUp g16 ] | % 2 \stemUp f8 _. [ \times 2/3 { \stemUp d16 ( \stemUp f16 \stemUp c'16 ] } \stemUp bes8 ) _. [ \times 2/3 { \stemUp d,16 ( \stemUp f16 \stemUp c'16 ) ] } \times 2/3 { \stemUp bes,16 ( [ \stemUp f16 \stemUp es'16 } \times 2/3 { \stemUp d16 \stemUp bes16 \stemUp g'16 ] } \times 2/3 { \stemUp f16 [ \stemUp d16 \stemUp c'16 } \times 2/3 { \stemUp bes16 \stemUp f16 \stemUp es'16 ] } \break | % 3 \times 2/3 { \stemDown d16 [ \stemDown bes16 \stemDown g'16 } \times 2/3 { \stemDown f16 \stemDown d16 \stemDown c'16 ) ] } \stemDown bes32 ( [ \stemDown a32 \stemDown g32 \stemDown f32 \stemDown es32 \stemDown d32 \stemDown c32 \stemDown bes32 ] \stemUp a32 [ \stemUp g32 \stemUp f32 \stemUp es32 \stemUp d32 \stemUp c32 \stemUp bes32 \stemUp a32 ] \clef "bass" \once \omit TupletBracket \times 8/9 { \stemUp g32 [ \stemUp f32 \stemUp es32 \stemUp d32 \stemUp c32 \stemUp bes32 \stemUp a32 \stemUp g32 \stemUp f32 ] } | % 4 \stemUp es8 ) _. r8 r4 r2 } >> }

Presto impetuoso theme, marked as con Sarcasmo in the third movement of Ichmouratov's Piano concerto, Piano solo part

mm. 637–641
{ \new PianoStaff << \new Staff \relative bes' { \clef "treble" \time 3/4 \key bes \major | % 1 \tempo "Presto impetuoso" 4=176 \stemDown bes8 ( [ ^\markup{ \small {Piano solo} } ^\markup{ \small\italic {impetuoso, con sarcasmo} } _\mp \stemDown des16 \stemDown f16 ] \stemDown a8 ) [ \stemDown a8 ] \stemDown a8 [ \stemDown a8 ] | % 2 \grace { \stemUp bes,16 ( [ \stemUp des16 \stemUp f16 ] } \stemDown a8 ) [ \stemDown bes8 ] \stemDown bes8 [ \stemDown f8 ] \acciaccatura { \stemUp ges16 ( } \stemDown f8 ) [ \stemDown des8 ] \break | % 3 \stemDown c16 ( [ \stemDown bes16 \stemDown c16 \stemDown des16 ] \stemDown e16 [ \stemDown f16 _\< \stemDown g16 \stemDown a16 ] \stemDown bes16 [ \stemDown c16 \stemDown des16 \stemDown es16 ) ] -\! | % 4 \stemDown e8 [ \ottava #1 \stemDown bes'8 ] \stemDown bes8 [ \stemDown as8 ] \acciaccatura { \stemUp bes16 ( } \stemDown as8 ) [ \stemDown g8 ] | % 5 \stemDown f8 \ottava #0 r8 r4 r4 } \new Staff \relative bes { \clef "treble" \time 3/4 \key bes \major | % 1 \stemUp bes8 ( [ \stemUp des16 \stemUp f16 ] \stemUp a8 ) [ \stemUp a8 ] \stemUp a8 [ \stemUp a8 ] | % 2 \grace { \stemUp bes,16 ( [ \stemUp des16 \stemUp f16 ] } \stemUp a8 ) [ \stemUp bes8 ] \stemUp bes8 [ \stemUp f8 ] \acciaccatura { \stemUp ges16 ( } \stemUp f8 ) [ \stemUp des8 ] \break | % 3 \stemUp c16 ( [ \stemUp bes16 \stemUp c16 \stemUp des16 ] \stemUp e16 [ \stemUp f16 \stemUp g16 \stemUp a16 ] \stemDown bes16 [ \stemDown c16 \stemDown des16 \stemDown es16 ) ] | % 4 \stemDown e8 [ \stemDown bes'8 ] \stemDown bes8 [ \stemDown as8 ] \acciaccatura { \stemUp bes16 ( } \stemDown as8 ) [ \stemDown g8 ] | % 5 \stemDown f8 r8 r4 r4 } >> }

Instrumentation

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Recording by Chandos Records of Airat Ichmouratov's Piano Concerto with Jean-Philippe Sylvestre and the London Symphony Orchestra, St. Luke's in London

The Piano Concerto is scored for the following orchestra (percussion, performed by 3 players):[10]

Recording

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Critical reception

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The world premiere of the Piano Concerto took place in a sold-out concert[12] and received generally favorable reviews. Emmanuel Bernier of Le Soleil wrote: "The piano section offers significant advantages to the performer, featuring double octaves and expansive, harmonically rich chords. Ichmouratov, demonstrating adept orchestration skills, integrates the orchestra as an equal partner with its own distinct voice."[3]

The recording of the Piano Concerto gained average-to-positive reviews. Michael Church of BBC Music Magazine wrote: "Ichmouratov clearly loves what he can do in a pianissimo environment, teasing the listener into following intricate paths".[1] Gregor Tassie of MusicWeb International noted: "Ichmouratov is a talented orchestrator, yet his music is devoid of originality".[13] Frédéric Cardin of Panm360 transcribed: "...Ichmouratov's music very accessible, well written and often remarkably orchestrated".[5] Barry Forshaw of Classical Cd Choice wrote: "The Volga-Tatar-born Canadian Airat Ichmouratov ably conducts the London Symphony Orchestra"[14] Geoff Perce of Classical Music Daily described Ichmouratov's music as "colourful and free from pretence."[8] Jean Lacroix of Crescendo Magazine wrote: "...undeniable qualities in the field of orchestral treatment: demonstration and luxuriance, vitality and solemnity, expressiveness and melodic capacity."[15]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Church, Michael (8 August 2023). "Airat Ichmouratov: Piano Concerto; Viola Concerto No. 1". classical-music.com. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  2. ^ Bernier, Emmanuel (9 June 2023). "Airat Ichmouratov : d'un intérêt inégal". La Presse (in French). Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  3. ^ a b Bernier, Emmanuel (2 May 2024). "L'OSQ fête Ichmouratov". Le Soleil (in French). Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  4. ^ "Airat Ichmouratov: Piano Concerto, Viola Concerto No. 1". prestomusic.com. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  5. ^ a b c Cardin, Frédéric (16 June 2023). "Jean-Philippe Sylvestre; Elvira Misbakhova: London Symphony Orchestra - Airat Ichmouratov: Piano Concerto; Viola Concerto N1" (in French). panm360.com. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  6. ^ Huss, Christophe (20 March 2020). "Airat Ichmouratov, la voix musicale russe du Québec" (in French). Le Devoir - ledevoir.com. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  7. ^ a b c d Kaptainis, Arthur. "Airat Ichmouratov: Piano Concerto, Viola Concerto No. 1". highresaudio.com. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  8. ^ a b Pearce, Geoff (5 May 2023). "Colourful and Free from Pretence; Geoff Pearce explores the music of Airat Ichmouratov". Classical Music Daily. classicalmusicdaily.com. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  9. ^ Orga, Ateş (1 November 2023). "Chandos releases Airat Ichmouratov conducting the LSO in his Piano and Viola Concertos with Jean-Philippe Sylvestre and Elvira Misbakhova". Colin's Column. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  10. ^ "Ichmouratov, Airat : Piano Concerto, op.40". daniels-orchestral.com. Daniels' Orchestral Music Online. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  11. ^ "Ichmouratov: Piano Concerto / Viola Concerto No.1". chandos.net. 1 June 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  12. ^ Cadrin, Beatrice (1 May 2024). "Nouvelle | Ichmouratov et Sylvestre à l'OSQ : Complet!". www.ludwig-van.com/montreal. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  13. ^ Tassie, Gregor (24 July 2023). "Ichmouratov: Piano & Viola Concertos (Chandos)". MusicWeb International. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  14. ^ Forshaw, Barry (19 June 2023). "New Classical Discs from Chandos, BIS & LSO". Classical CD Choice - cdchoice.co.uk. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  15. ^ Lacroix, Jean (15 September 2023). "Airat Ichmouratov's concertos proudly assume their romanticism" (in French). pp. Crescendo Magazine - crescendo-magazine.be. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
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