Alfano, Franco

Franco Alfano – Divertimento per Orchestra Ridotta e Pianoforte Obbligato, Op. 226

(b. Posillipo near Naples, 8 March 1875 – d. Sanremo 27 October 1954)

Introduzione p.1
Aria p.25
Recitativo e Rondo p.42

Preface
Francesco “Franco” Alfano was a composer, teacher, and pianist born in Naples, Italy, in 1875. While considered a forgotten composer by today’s standards, he was a recognized name during his lifetime, albeit with a complicated reputation. Born into a well-off family of silver engravers, Alfano began formal piano lessons at the age of 11 with pianist Alessandro Longo. When left alone, Alfano’s teacher noted that he would compose music at the piano, despite having little to no knowledge of counterpoint or theory. Longo would ultimately covince Alfano and his supportive but hesitant family that he had the talent to pursue music. In 1891, young Alfano entered the San Pietro a Majella Conservatory to study with Camillo De Nardis and Paolo Serrao. Dissatisfied with his progress after three years, he moved to Germany on his search for new musical opportunities and enrolled in Leipzig’s Royal Conservatory of Music to study with Salomon Jadassohn. He Stayed there until his graduation in 1896. Alfano’s move to Leipzig should only be the first of many. Throughout his career Alfano did not hesitate to travel far if he had an upcoming performance, including in France, Russia, the United States, and South America or settle anywhere he felt his music would be successful. While in Leipzig, he studied a wide variety of music, including that by J.S. Bach (who was a primary influence for Jadassohn), Richard Strauss (a rising composer with an exotic style), and Edvard Grieg, his longtime musical idol. Alfano dedicated himself to score study in an attempt to perfect his knowledge of orchestration but was frustrated by only finding theories when he wanted rules. On his degree, Alfano was recognized for his excellence in both composition and piano. …

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