Amilcare Ponchielli, the composer, struggled for fame, which only began to arrive in 1872 with the restaging of his opera Promessi sposi, 16 years after its disappointing debut.
Composition History
Ponchielli, who was a good pianist, initially worked giving lessons and accompanying singers before collaborating with the magazine La Palestra musicale in 1866 to publish piano pieces.
Compositional Technique
Ponchielli's piano music, particularly the more melancholic and expressive pieces, discreetly draws from the best European tradition, showing echoes of Mendelssohn, Liszt, and Chopin.
Historical Context
Ponchielli's musical work developed during a period of transformation in popular and academic taste, placing him between the older, more authoritative Verdi and his own students, Mascagni and Puccini.
Composition History
The famous Danza delle Ore from Ponchielli's opera La Gioconda was difficult for the composer to complete, with him reportedly calling it 'disgusting!' until choreographer Luigi Manzotti helped him.
Composer Biography
Three compositions on this album are funeral dedications, including an Elegy for Egidia Ferrari, a 17-year-old concert violinist, and a Funeral March for publisher Francesco Lucca, who had faith in the young Ponchielli.
Recording & Production
This recording was made at the Teatro Ponchielli in Cremona, Italy, a theatre named after the composer, which first hosted his theatrical works.
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