Presented by Leo Samama.
From 1844, Emanuele Muzio studied composition with Verdi in Milan and assisted him as a conductor with several opera productions. Luisa Miller’s transcription for string quartet should be seen as “chips of the tree” of Muzio’s work as a conductor. After all, he knew Verdi’s operas like few others. That is why his transcriptions are of utmost diligence, faithful to the score, and at the same time trough and thoroughly to be considered as chamber music.
Puccini’s only work for string quartet is a gem; Chrysanthemums ‘Alla memoria di Amadeo di Savoia Duca d’Aosta’, son of the Italian king Vittorio Emanuele II and a friend of the composer. Later Puccini used the main themes in the opera Manon Lescaut.
Ildebrando Pizettis’s first String Quartet in A major from 1906 is thoroughly Italian in sound, clear, lyrical, serene, and with here and there a touch of folk music.
Emanuele Muzio – transcription for string quartet from parts of the opera
Luisa Miller by Verdi
(1) First act, first scene, a celebration in the village for Luisa’s birthday,
(2) First act T’amo d’amor (love-duet between Luisa and Rodolfo),
(3) Ah! Fu giusto (aria by Luisa’s father),
(4) Aria by Walter (the father of Rodolpho),
(7) Scene and quartetto with Federica, the duchess Rodolpho is to marry, Walter, Luisa and Wurm.
Performed by: Hagen Quartett
CD: DG
Giacomo Puccini – Crisantemi (1890)
Performed by: Hagen Quartett
CD: DG
Ildebrando Pizzetti – String Quartet in A major. (1906)
(1) Vivace ma sereno, (2) Adagio, (3) Tema con variazioni, Allegretto tranquillo, (4) Finale
Performed by: Lajtha Quartet
CD: Naxos
