Piano Concerto in D, Op. 2 by Emilie Julie Candeille

Piano Concerto in D, Op 2, 1787

1. Allegro Maestuoso, D major. 2. Andante gratioso con espressione, G minor. 3. Rondo: Allegro spirituoso, D major

2 ob, 2 hn, string, solo piano. 18 mins

This is her only surviving concerto, and it was published in her lifetime with the quaint spelling of the movement titles listed above. It dates from the year of Haydn's 'Paris' symphonies, and the slow movement certainly suggests she knew her Haydn. It alternates, then varies sections in the minor and major. The outer movements are quite economical with orchestral ideas, though more expansive when the solo has the field to itself. The rondo theme has a happy way of returning in the 'wrong' key, but all is neatly balanced by the end. The whole has a brilliant D major feel, as characteristic in the classical era.