Henri Dutilleux - Violin Concerto (L'arbre des songes)

I. Librement - 00:00
Interlude - 05:10
II. Vif - 07:28
Interlude 2 - 9:49
III. Lent - 11:48
Interlude 3 - 18:18
IV. Large et animé - 19:39

L'arbre des songs (The Tree of Dreams) is the second of Dutilleux's concerti. Written from 1983 to 1985 and dedicated to Isaac Stern this concerto is about form, thematic development and the proliferation of ideas through time. In the words of Dutilleux himself, "All in all the piece grows somewhat like a tree, for the constant multiplication and renewal of its branches is the lyrical essence of the tree. The symbolic image, as well as the notion of a seasonal cycle, inspired my choice of 'L'arbre des songes' as the title of the piece."
Just as "Tout un monde lointain..." this piece features masterful orchestration and retains the same lucid atmosphere. There are some differences however some of them include: in the instrumentation; a prominent solo for oboe d'amore and extended use of the Cimbalom, and in the form; an aleatoric movement (Interlude 3.)
There are some very breathtaking moments in this piece. Dutilleux really shines in his quiet movements. Expect lots of shimmering string harmonics and beautiful upper-register chords.

I do not own the rights to the music or score. Soloist is Olivier Charlier, orchestra is the BBC Philharmonic conducted by Yan Pascal Tortelier.