Puccini Symphonic Suites: In New Editions by Carlo Rizzi

Featuring

Carlo Rizzi
Orchestra of Welsh National Opera
Giacomo Puccini

Did you know?

1/7

Compositional Technique

Puccini's Preludio sinfonico, composed during his time at the Milan Conservatory, shows a Wagnerian influence, with its opening idea resembling the Prelude to Lohengrin and thematic material returning periodically.

Interpretation

Conductor Carlo Rizzi's re-imagining of Puccini's operas for these suites strictly adheres to Puccini's original orchestration, with nothing added to compensate for the lack of vocal lines.

Historical Context

In 1884, Giuseppe Verdi, a renowned Italian opera composer, expressed caution about the increasing 'symphonic element' in opera, noting that the conservatory curriculum in Italy was shifting towards instrumental music.

Composer Biography

Giacomo Puccini, the composer, entered the Milan Conservatory in 1880, having previously composed mostly religious music, including a Messa a 4 voci for his graduation from Lucca's Istituto Pacini.

Interpretation

The orchestral suites on this album were created by conductor Carlo Rizzi, who re-imagined Puccini's operas in a purely orchestral version, similar to how it has been done for Richard Strauss's opera Der Rosenkavalier.

Recording & Production

The Welsh National Opera Orchestra, featured on this recording, has a global reputation and has appeared at international festivals and venues, including the Hong Kong Festival and the Prague Spring Festival.

Performer Biography

Carlo Rizzi, the conductor on this album, is the Music Director of Opera Rara, a UK-based company dedicated to rediscovering undervalued operatic works, and has been Conductor Laureate of Welsh National Opera since 2015.