This concerto written in 1983 is a dynamic example of Penderecki's more melodic style, as contrasted with his orchestra of sounds per se. In both ways of writing his music is always filled with energy and most often dramatic. The opening motif is the main one on which the work is built: a line of short sighing phrases. This gradually builts in energy until by the middle section we hear a fast 12/8 counterpoint among all the strings. Then there is a return to the sighing line given to the lower strings while the soloist floats above it, trilling. The soloist re-states the line against a drone, the lower strings are added, this is momentarily interrupted by two solo cadenzas supported in fits and starts by the orchestra until at their moments of highest tension the orchestra re-enters with a full statement. Moments of fleeting orchestral color follow (for example, a combination of piccolo sustain, brass clusters and light percussive bells). In the last few minutes of the piece, the sighing quality is restored until, in an elegant conclusion, the soloist reaches a single high tone and continues to hold it as the full orchestra imitates the tone.

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