Violin Concerto (2014) 24′

for violin and orchestra (or ensemble)

Violin solo – 2.2.2.2 – 2.3.3.1 – Timp – 2Perc – Harp – Pf/Cel – Strings

The distinctive structure of my Violin Concerto, with its much longer opening movement followed by a shorter, faster second movement, was not part of the original plan. Initially, I aimed to compose a single, extended movement to stand on its own. However, after completing it, I realized it didn’t quite work by itself.

While the first movement is long and slow, it also incorporates fast and restless elements – unsettled pulses, whispers, and sighs. This faster material lurks beneath the music’s surface, even when it seems slower, attempting to break through. Yet, the soloist consistently calms the orchestra. It is only in the second movement that the soloist joins the orchestra in the fast, hectic material. The second movement revisits the themes of the first but at a quicker tempo, allowing you to trace much of the first movement within the solo part of the second. In a sense, the concerto offers two perspectives on the same musical ideas.

Comissioned by Peter Herresthal with support from Komponistenes Vederlagsfond.

Ensemble version first performed September 10, 2014 in Utrecht by Peter Herresthal (violin) and Asko|Schönberg Ensemble conducted by Christian Karlsen.

Orchestral version first performed September 14, 2014 in Oslo (N) by Peter Herresthal (violin) and Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Ilan Volkov.