Rode, Pierre (1774-1830)

Rode's Violin Concerto No. 13, in F sharp minor / A major, probably written in 1834, was published posthumously, and is dedicated to the composer's old colleague Baillot. The opening Allegro comodo begins quietly with a theme beginning with a half note (minim); this theme will be taken up by the soloist and will form a pattern, half note (minim) followed by quarters (crotchets), eighths (quavers), triplets, that will unify the movement. The beautiful Adagio, as in Concerto No. 10, leads via a cadenza to the finale, in this case a spritely 6/8 Allegretto, effectively and joyously bringing the thirteen concertos to a close.