Konzert

Bernd Alois Zimmermann’s works display remarkable stylistic variety, reflecting numerous transformations ranging from his Neoclassical beginnings via the adaptation of twelve-tone technique and serial principles to the composer’s “trade mark”, his pluralistic compositional method. His entire compositional output is correspondingly diverse. The oboe concerto shows clear signs of the Neoclassical stage of his compositional career. The virtuoso first movement – a homage to Stravinsky whom Zimmermann praised for his “art of omission” – is characterised by clear lines and concise motivic structures. The movement additionally makes reference to Igor Stravinsky’s Symphony in C – at times in the form of literal quotations.