Commedia Dell'Arte

Given the opportunity to create a concertante work for violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and the spirited New Century Chamber Orchestra, violinist-turned-composer Ellen Taaffe Zwilich looked to the commedia dell’arte tradition for a special theatrical program. With movements depicting the Harlequin, Columbine, and Captain characters from Italian Renaissance romantic comedies, Zwilich has created a playful, charming, and dramatic work, also adding percussion surprises for extra color in the string orchestra. For advanced players. Parts are available on rental.