Piano Concerto No. 1 (Lehnhoff)

Dieter Lehnhoff composed his Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in 2005.

Form

1. Allegro 2. Andantino 3. Rapsodia

History

After attending a workshop with the students of the Russian pianist, Alexandr Sklioutovski, in San José, Costa Rica, Dieter Lehnhoff was so impressed with the virtuoso level of the young Costa Rican pianists that he immediately sketched out the first movement of the concerto. He completed it in Heredia, where he was guest professor at the National University, in July, 2005. The second movement was written in a few days and completed in Los Angeles, California, where the composer was a keynote speaker at the First World Music Forum of the Unesco International Music Council early in October. The third movement was completed in November in Guatemala. Each movement was composed in full score, of which the composer immediately made a reduction for two pianos. The concerto had its premiere at the Great Hall of the National Theatre in Guatemala City, on 17 June, 2006. The soloist was the young Costa Rican pianist, José Pablo Quesada, with the Millennium Orchestra and the composer conducting. It was first performed in Costa Rica at the National Theatre in San José on 10 May, 2007, with José Pablo Quesada as soloist, and the newly established Symphony Orchestra of the National University conducted by Dieter Lehnhoff.

Orchestration

2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets, Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons; 2 French horns, 2 Trumpets, Timpani, Xylophone, Percussion: triangle, suspended cymbal, cymbals; First violins, Second violins, Violas, Violoncellos, Double Basses.

References

Gerardo Meza, "Reseña de un estreno: el Concierto para Piano y Orquesta de Dieter Lehnhoff". Abrapalabra 39 (2006): 65-67.

Ercilia Garzona Meseguer, "Concierto inaugural en la UNA", La Nación, San José, Costa Rica, 22 May 2007. [1]