Reicha, Anton (1770-1836)

Like the vast majority of symphonies concertantes, the present work is generally relaxed and affable in tone although it is not with its odd moments of drama. Reicha's understanding of the genre is self-evident in the balance he strikes between lyrical writing and bravura display and although the circumstances of the work's composition are unknown, it seems likely that he wrote the work for two soloists whose technical strengths were identical and whose style of playing was familiar to him. Neither player has been identified but it is possible that further research will bring to light the performers for whom Reicha composed this impressive work. Jeffrey Biegel