Miriam Hyde: Andante Tranquillo, From Concerto No. 2 In C# Minor (1934-35)

Abstract

Miriam Hyde (b. 1913) here follows a tradition established during the nineteenth century, which was to allow piano concerto movements, especially the slow movements, to be lifted out of context and performed as solo pieces. Some of these nineteenth century arrangers also included indications as to which sections of the orchestra were playing at given moments, a practice that Hyde has followed in her transcription. The result is a warm, richly textured piece that sounds well on its own. Concerto was written in 1934-1935 in London, and was first performed by Miriam Hyde with the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Constant Lambert - a most auspicious occasion for the young composer.