The works of Alexandre Tansman reflect various influences but the most important are, on the one side the French composers of his time - Ravel, Roussel, Honegger, Milhaud - and, on the other, Stravinsky, with whom Tansman had a close friendship. The result is an eclectic style embodying impressionism, neo-classicism, polytonality, and serialism. His post-2nd World War works also were influenced by his experience in Hollywood. The Concerto for Orchestra is a 25-minute 5-movement work. Its opening, Tranquillo, is calm and mysterious. Then, a pause is followed by an eruption of violence. The second, Lento, is characterized by a somber atmosphere. The third, Presto, is an eerie scherzo. The fourth, Lento, alternates between a threatening mood and desolate calls from wind instruments. The Finale, Vivo, is energetic, oscillating between Honegger and Stravinsky. The agitation subsides to a calm ending. n

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