Piano Concerto no. 2 (1973) [for piano and orchestra]
This single movement develops from innocuous “concertante” piano textures to a lavish solo cadenza framed around an obstinately re-occurring chord. The whole thing heats up, flames out, dies away in just 14 minutes. Extremely virtuoso writing for piano is showcased here. Helps was particularly fond of this work.
Piano Concerto no. 2 was written for and premiered by pianist Richard Goode
That fabulous chord in the cadenza of Piano Concerto no. 2
