[Lev Knipper] Mountain Serenade for String Orchestra (Score-Video)

This serenade has 5 movements: 00:05 - I. Sonatina: Largo - Allegro molto - Largo - Allegro molto 07:34 - II. Nocturne: Adagio - Poco meno mosso. Poco fantastico - Tempo I 13:19 - III. Dance: Vivo 16:37 - IV. Romance: Moderato - Pochissimo meno mosso - Tempo I (Moderato) 19:30 - V. Ballad: Allegro ma non troppo - Meno mosso - Tempo I - Largo Performers: Lev Knipper / Orchestra of the Bolshoi Theatre of the USSR —————— Mountains were Knipper’s true passion. A mountaineer and Master of Sports, Lev Konstantinovich visited the mountains every year, ascending the peaks of the Central Caucasus or the Kyrgyz Ala-Too. The suite for string orchestra Mountain Serenade is closely intertwined with the thoughts and emotions that stirred within Knipper during his time in the mountains. "Mountain Serenade," the composer wrote, "is one of my favorite works—cherished because, without undue intrusiveness, it managed to convey that directly essential atmosphere that surrounds man in the mountains." Mountain Serenade comprises five movements, all captivating listeners with the romantic fervor of their lyrical narrative. A brief, intimate introduction leads into the poetic ambiance of the first movement—the Sonatina (Allegro molto). It is built upon two contrasting themes: an energetic main theme and a second, more graceful and gentle theme. The next movement is the Nocturne (Adagio). Its primary musical material is a melody of Russian character, elegiac in nature. The central episode of the Nocturne is a genre sketch full of charm and musical freshness: with astonishing skill and refined taste, the composer uses the string orchestra to recreate the clamor of birds accompanying the sunset in the mountains. The cheerful and brisk third movement, Dance (Vivo), enthralls with the momentum of its musical current. It is succeeded by the Romance (Andante)—one of the most poetic pages of the entire work. Its expressive melody is perceived as a "Song of Love." The final, fifth movement is the "Ballad" (Allegro). Both of its themes—energetic and agitated—reach a climax in a passionate cadenza for the first violins. Mountain Serenade concludes with the return of the introductory motif from the first movement. For this composition, L. K. Knipper was awarded the State Prize in 1946. (Source from LP; Written by Т. Алексеева) —————— I do not own neither the score, nor the recordings used in this video. This is only for educational purposes. If you have any complaints regarding copyright issues, please write to me directly at asorabji20(at)gmail(dot)com before submitting a report to YouTube and I will remove the video as soon as possible.