Violin Concerto in D major

Jean-Pierre Vial completed the composition of the violin concerto in 2025. The concerto consists of four movements, with two lively movements framing a slow movement and a short scherzo.

Most often, the orchestra exposes a theme which the solo violin responds to by developing the theme. In the scherzo, it's the opposite with the orchestra responding to the solo violin. Rhythms are often underlined by double basses playing pizzicati, sometimes joined by other strings also playing pizzicati and sometimes by the harp too.

The first movement, allegretto, in D major, is based on two main lilting themes. The various developments are often preceded by a ritornello played by string pizzicati.

The second movement, andantino, in D minor, is based on two melancholic themes. The mood of melancholy is often reinforced by the solo violin playing the lower strings.

The third movement is a short scherzo, in A minor. The solo violin exposes a theme and a few variations then taken up by the orchestra. In the middle of the scherzo, the harp exposes an arpeggiated melody that is gradually completed by the orchestra. The return to the first theme is treated by the solo violin playing glissandi.

The last movement, allegro finale, in D major, begins with a lilting theme reminiscent of some folk song. The various developments are often preceded by a ritornello played by various instruments. The developments are interspersed with waltz-like episodes that reinforce the movement's folk mood. The end of the movement is announced by a harp glissando.