Violin and Piano
The 'Rhapsody Concertante' is a virtuoso work for violin, here published as a concert work for violin and piano, though a string orchestral accompaniment is also available. The themes are not specified, but are taken from the ambience of the virtuoso violinists of central-eastern Europe playing lighter and classical-folk styles. The idea of the work came about from the interest and knowledge of the dedicatee in gypsy and other Hungarian and Rumanian style violin writing, and this has been wielded into a mini-concerto or concertante type work.
There are three movements, or clearly defined sections. The first, after the initial introduction, is none other than a 'showy' cadenza from the soloist. This leads to a heart-felt 'Adagio' where the violinist sings intensely on all four strings, but especially on the top string. This finally gives way to the 'Perpetuum Mobile' finale which bursts forth in a virtuoso display of virtuosity covering many violin technical effects. The total duration is of about 11 - 12 minutes, but it is also possible to programme either the second movement or the third movement as individual pieces.
For those interested to receive the individual orchestral parts and conductor score (in a clear to read handwritten version) please contact the composer through his web-site (www.johnstone-music.com), where these are available for free downloading.