Preludio sinfonico

The Preludio sinfonico in A major, Giacomo Puccini’s second orchestral work, was written in 1882 during the time the composer was completing his studies at the Milan Conservatory. The piece shows the remarkable musical progress of its author and his considerable talent in the symphonic genre – supported by an impassioned melodic invention – which set him apart from other Italian opera composers of the fin de siècle.

The manner in which the only theme of the Preludio is developed and varied, alternating between diatonic elements and chromaticism by means of complex harmonies, is reminiscent of passages from Massenet and of the romanticism of Wagner. Above all, the tone colors at thebeginning and at the conclusion show a close connection to the Prelude from Lohengrin. But the manner in which, Tutta forza, the melody reaches its climax already displays the “desperate passion” that ten years later would penetrate the score of Manon Lescaut.

Scoring: Ottavino, 2 Fl, 2 Ob, Eh, 2 Clt, 2 Fg, 4 Cor, 2 Tr, 3 Trb, Oficleide, Perc, Arpa, 2 Vl, Va, Vc, Cb