Violin Concerto No. 2 in G Minor

Written in 1935, 18 years after its predecessor, Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2 is again in three movements, yet closer to the fast-slow-fast trajectory of the Classical and Romantic eras. The “Allegro moderato” begins with a soulful theme whose impulsive mood swings quickly become a hallmark, in contrast to the easeful melody introduced by the soloist after a limpid transition. Starting unobtrusively, the development makes inventive play with these ideas on route to an altered reprise and then a deftly ironic coda. Over a steady woodwind accompaniment, the “Andante assai” features a long-breathed melody for the soloist and strings. Its returns, interspersed with pert transitions, are subtly modified without losing an essential poise that persists to the ruminative close. Marked to be played “ben marcato” (with consistent attack), the final “Allegro” centres on an impetuous theme whose rhythmic profile is enhanced with castanets in recognition of this music’s Spanish associations, and whose robust motion holds good through to a decisive ending. First performed by French violinist Robert Soetens (with whom the composer was on tour while writing the piece) in Madrid on 1 December 1935, it was soon heard across Europe and America, and is still among Prokofiev’s most played works.