Concerto For Free Bass Accordion - Movements - First and Second Movements

First and Second Movements

The first two movements of the work are coupled together and scored in C major in 2/4 and 3/4 time marked Allegro non troppo. They open with a glissando ranging over two octaves in the treble voice which culminates in the statement of the main theme centered on two percussive chord structures. This leads to a series of rhythmatic arpeggios in the key of D flat minor followed by a series of descending sixteenth note groupings echoing the main theme. The theme is subsequently restated in the key of D sharp and eventually progresses into the key of F flat. The thematic motif soon descends into the bass voice where it heralds a arpeggio in the treble voice.

Development of the theme now transpires in 4/4 time. Chromatic key changes from the key of C major through G minor into D minor lead back into the key of C major and a return to 2/4 time. The theme is recapitulated in G major and developed as a scherzo marked Legato e dulce. A restatement of the pervasive percussive chords of the main theme ensues in the treble voice shortly thereafter. This culminates in an arpeggio and a return to 4/4 time.

Another series of glissandos in the treble voice ushers in a brief cadenza. This foreshadows another arpeggio which brings the two movements to a percussive conclusion.