Concerto for Piano No. 2 in D minor, Op. 23 Cover Image

Concerto for Piano No. 2 in D minor, Op. 23: Piano, Solo with Piano, Solo Piano and Piano Reduction

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Concerto for Piano No. 2 in D minor, Op. 23 Cover Image

Concerto for Piano No. 2 in D minor, Op. 23: Piano, Solo with Piano, Solo Piano and Piano Reduction

By Edward MacDowell

Item: 36-A166848

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The first major piano concerto written by an American, CONCERTO FOR PIANO NO. 2 IN D MINOR, OP. 23 by Edward MacDowell (1860-1908) manages to be quite original, although some similarities to the concertos of Grieg, Saint-Saens, and Liszt may be found. Although it remained unperformed for the first few years after its completion in late 1885, it did finally receive its premiere in 1889, with the New York Philharmonic under Theodore Thomas, and the composer at the piano. Although many of MacDowell's smaller works continue to be performed regularly, MacDowell's PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2 is the only large-scale composition to remain in standard repertoire. Instrumentation: Solo Piano in set: 2.2.2.2: 4.2.3.0: Timp: Str(9-8-7-6-5 in set). Solo piano and piano reduction playing score. Reprint edition.

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Additional Details
Series: Kalmus Orchestra Library
Publisher: Keiser Productions, Inc.
ISBN10: 8-898100-34-5
ISBN13: 979-8-898100-34-6
UPC: 735816090890
SKU: 36-A166848
Instrumentation: Solo Piano with Piano Reduction

More about this title

About the Composer: Edward MacDowell

Edward MacDowell (1860-1908) stands as a pivotal figure in American classical music, bridging the gap between European Romanticism and a distinctly American musical voice. A pianist, composer, and educator who studied in Paris and Germany before establishing himself in Boston and New York, MacDowell created works that earned respect from both audiences and fellow musicians during his lifetime, despite occasional dismissal from more conservative European critics.

Why we love this

This concerto represents a milestone in American musical history: the first major piano concerto written by a native-born American composer. MacDowell's orchestration is assured and colorful, balancing the soloist without drowning the keyboard voice, and the work's emotional arc from stormy opening to lyrical passages makes it genuinely rewarding for pianists and audiences alike. Unlike the smaller character pieces that dominate MacDowell's surviving concert repertoire, this large-scale work demonstrates his command of symphonic form and his ability to engage with the great Romantic concerto tradition on equal footing.

What to expect

The concerto unfolds in the grand Romantic manner, opening with dark, agitated energy in D minor before yielding to moments of lyrical beauty and virtuosic display. The work balances MacDowell's gift for songlike melody with orchestral drama, creating an arc that feels both urgent and deeply felt.

Who it's for

This score is ideal for concert orchestras and pianists seeking to program significant American Romantic repertoire. Professional orchestras and advanced community ensembles with capable soloists will find the work technically accessible while offering genuine musical substance and historical importance.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the solo part against the full orchestra carefully in rehearsal; MacDowell gives the orchestra substantial material, but the piano line should remain the primary voice even in thick tutti passages.
  • Work with the pianist to establish the character of each movement clearly. The dramatic intensity of the first movement needs contrast with the lyrical sections to land effectively.
  • Use the piano reduction score to coach the orchestra on harmonic structure and phrase continuity, especially in passages where the solo part carries the melodic weight.

How to use it

Program this concerto as a centerpiece on a concert celebrating American music, or pair it with works by contemporary composers like Amy Beach or George Chadwick to contextualize MacDowell's achievements. The work also serves well as a feature for a pianist-in-residence or guest artist, lending weight to an orchestral concert without requiring extreme technical demands from the ensemble.

Skills your students will build

  • Balancing solo and orchestral voices across sustained passages
  • Accompanying a virtuosic soloist while maintaining ensemble integrity
  • Navigating minor-key Romantic harmony and formal structure
  • Responding to the expressive and dramatic demands of a concerto movement

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