Commedia Dell'Arte

Joseph Horovitz

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General Info

Year: 1994 / 1996
Duration: c. 7:40
Difficulty: VI (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Molenaar Edition
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - €220.54 | Score Only (print) - €33.31

Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III

(percussion detail desired)

Errata

None discovered thus far.

Program Notes

As the title implies, the work was inspired by the comic theatrical tradition developed in Italy from the 16th century onward, by troupes of traveling actors.

However, it originated long before during the Roman period, and it influenced the much later comedies of Gozzi, Goldini, Moliere, Lope de Vega, as well as the English Pantomime and the Viennese folk-play of the 19th century. Like many of my compositions, this piece has obvious balletic and pantomimic elements, and performers and audience alike should be encouraged to imagine characters such as Harlequin, Columbine, Pantaloon, Truffaldino, Scaramouche, together with pompous guardians, languishing daughters, serenading lovers and cheating servants.

- Program Note by composer

Media

Audio: Reference recording. Harmonieorkest Brabants Conservatorium (Jan Cober, conductor)
Audio CD: Harmonieorkest Brabants Conservatorium (Jan Cober, conductor) – 1996

State Ratings

None discovered thus far.

Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

Works for Winds by This Composer

Ad Astra (1992)
Bacchus on Blue Ridge (1973/1984)
Commedia Dell'Arte (1994/1996)
Concertino Classico
Dance Suite (1992)
Euphonium Concerto (1972)
Fantasia and Fugue in G minor (as transcriber) (c. 1838/1986)
Fête Galante (1991)
Lille Theme (1992)
Tuba Concerto (2001)
Wind-Harp (1988)

Resources

Horovitz, J. (1996). Commedia Dell'Arte (1994) [score]. Molenaar Edition: Wormerveer, Netherlands.
Perusal score