Klavier (Piano Concerto in G minor)

Jean-Pierre Vial composed the piano concerto in G minor between 2007 and 2011. The concerto consists of four movements, with two lively movements surrounding a slower movement and a brief scherzo.

The first movement, allegro ma non troppo, is based on two main themes. Both themes are initially exposed, then developed in their original four-beat rhythm. After a short cadenza (specified ad libitum), the themes are then developed in a ternary rhythm. The movement ends with a tutti based on the initial theme in its original rhythm.

The second movement, andante cantabile, is based on a single, lyrical and swinging theme. The development includes two series of large piano arpeggios that surround a short cadenza (also specified ad libitum). The second series of piano arpeggios concludes the movement.

The third movement is a short scherzo, initially in triple time, also based on one main theme. The movement emphasizes the scherzo concept by developing a number of rhythmic variations of the theme in three-, four-, five- and even seven-beat measures.

The finale, allegro vivace, is based on two main themes. Both themes are initially exposed, then developed using numerous syncopations. Further on, the piano introduces a swinging melody that could be analyzed as a third theme. Subsequent developments, however, lead rather to analyzing that melody as a rhythmic motif which will counterpoint the first theme. After developing those two (or three) themes, the finale ends with a tutti based on the initial theme in its original form.