Catalogue
Commedia (1990)
Programme Note available | View performance history...
Commissioned by Premiere Ensemble.
First performance: The Premiere Ensemble, St John's Smith Square, London, 01 Jan 1990
Work Details
Category: chamber mixed quintet
Duration: 15
Instrumentation: Fl (Picc) Cl Vn Vc Pf
SMC Holdings
Programme Note
Commedia is a `theatre piece' without actors - an imaginary Italian Comedy based on scenes from real comedias of the 17th and 18th Centuries. These scenes are interspersed with `Lazzi', slapstick or improvised sections which were included in the Commedia dell'arte.
Overture
Scene I
Harlequin (Cello) is ill; the doctor (Piano) attempts to diagnose the problem
Lazzo I
The doctor chases Harlequin with a syringe
Scene II
Harlequin is unexpectedly delivered of a baby boy,,, he and the doctor the baby
Lazzo II
The rocking becomes more violent causing Columbine (Flute) to become alarmed and to take the child into her own safe-keeping
Scene III
Columbine's lullaby
Scene IV
Pulcinella (Clarinet) attempts to seduce Colummmbine and, failing, steals the baby
Scene V
Columbine weeps, Pierrot (Violin) comforts her and agrees to help to recapture the baby
Lazzo III
Chase (in which Pulcinella disguises himself as a windmill, but lets go of the child)
Scene VI
Pierrot's Dance (on rescuing the baby from Pulcinella). Harlequin re-appears and recognises his child. Columbine agrees to marry him and to help care for the child
Lazzo IV
Pierrot, who has fallen in love with Coumbine, weeps. Pulcinella re-appears to tlumbine, weeps. Pulcinella reappears to taunt him
Finale
In which Pulcinella is marched to the scaffold
