Introducing Janis Ivanovs and his Cello Concerto in b minor

Abstract

Janis Ivanovs (1906-1983) was one of the most distinguished Latvian composers in the twentieth century yet he is virtually unknown outside of Latvia and the former U.S.S.R. This document will present a brief biography of this composer and discuss the context of his career. Although the paper is primarily focused upon the Cello Concerto in b minor (1938) any discussion of Ivanovs' post-Romantic musical style must also discuss his twenty-one symphonies which are his best known works. The paper will discuss the early performance history of the concerto and will give a detailed form analysis of the piece. The paper is intended to introduce this important composer and his music to musicians and audiences outside of the Baltic region and will conclude with a discussion of the specific challenges the work has for cellists.