Jorge Grossmann | Guitar Concerto

Jorge Grossmann’s Guitar Concerto, composed in 2022 during his residency as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of the State of Santa Catarina (UDESC) in Brazil, marks a significant addition to his body of work as his fourth concerto, following two for piano and one for cello. Collaborating with UDESC professor and guitarist Luiz Mantovani, Grossmann embraces the classical three-movement structure of fast-slow-fast, yet imbues it with contemporary complexity.

The first movement introduces a captivating gesture reminiscent of Grossmann’s earlier work, Siray, showcasing an intricate tapestry of musical interactions between the soloist and orchestra. The second movement features an extended chaconne, echoing procedures from his String Quartet No. 3 and Partita for solo Viola, characterized by a contemplative ground played by muted strings, fragmented and elaborated upon through tropes introduced by the guitar. This section allows for lyrical expression, as the tropes evolve into mini cadenzas, showcasing the guitar’s versatility. The final movement presents an altered rondo structure, presenting three distinct themes: a leading theme from the soloist, an imitative passage from the pizzicato strings, and a dialogue of crossfaded triads played antiphonally by the orchestra and guitar. Grossmann’s ability to weave diverse influences into this concerto results in a work that celebrates both tradition and innovation, ultimately enriching the guitar repertoire.