Piano Concerto No. 4 (Saint-Saëns)

The Piano Concerto No. 4 in C minor, Op. 44, is a composition for piano and orchestra by Camille Saint-Saëns, written in 1875. It is one of Saint-Saëns's five piano concertos, and is particularly notable for its cyclical structure and dramatic contrasts.

Structure:

The concerto is divided into two movements, each of which contains two distinct sections, effectively presenting a four-movement structure within a two-movement framework:

• Movement 1:

  • Allegro moderato - A dramatic and turbulent opening movement, characterized by its C minor tonality and powerful piano passages.
  • Andante - A more lyrical and expressive section in E-flat major, offering a contrasting mood to the preceding Allegro. This section is often described as having a serene and almost hymn-like quality.

• Movement 2:

  • Allegro vivace - A scherzo-like section that is energetic and playful, serving as a transition to the final movement.
  • Allegro - The concluding movement, returning to the C minor tonality. It builds to a triumphant finale, showcasing the virtuosity of the soloist and the power of the orchestra. The main theme of the first movement reappears in this section, contributing to the cyclical nature of the work.

Instrumentation:

The concerto is scored for solo piano, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets (in B♭), 2 bassoons, 2 horns (in E♭ and C), 2 trumpets (in C), timpani, and strings.

Significance:

The Piano Concerto No. 4 is considered one of Saint-Saëns's finest works in the concerto genre. Its innovative structure, memorable melodies, and virtuosic piano writing have made it a popular piece in the repertoire. It is often praised for its dramatic intensity and its balance between solo piano and orchestral forces. It showcases Saint-Saëns's ability to combine traditional Classical forms with a Romantic sensibility.