Composer

:

Franco Alfano

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:45

'Antica ninna-nanna partenopea' is a composition by Franco Alfano, an Italian composer who lived from 1875 to 1954. The piece was composed in 1922 and premiered in the same year in Naples, Italy. It is a work for voice and piano, and it is based on a traditional lullaby from Naples. The composition consists of three movements, each of which is characterized by a different mood and tempo. The first movement is marked "Andante cantabile" and is in a simple 4/4 time signature. It begins with a gentle piano introduction, which is followed by the entrance of the voice. The melody is simple and lyrical, and the text is in Neapolitan dialect. The movement is characterized by a sense of calm and tranquility, and it is meant to evoke the peacefulness of a mother singing her child to sleep. The second movement is marked "Allegro moderato" and is in a lively 6/8 time signature. It begins with a playful piano introduction, which is followed by the entrance of the voice. The melody is more complex than in the first movement, and it is characterized by a sense of joy and energy. The text is still in Neapolitan dialect, but it is more playful and humorous than in the first movement. The movement is meant to evoke the sense of playfulness and happiness that a child feels when being sung to by their mother. The third and final movement is marked "Andante sostenuto" and is in a slow 4/4 time signature. It begins with a mournful piano introduction, which is followed by the entrance of the voice. The melody is more complex than in the first two movements, and it is characterized by a sense of sadness and longing. The text is still in Neapolitan dialect, but it is more melancholy than in the previous movements. The movement is meant to evoke the sense of loss and sadness that a mother feels when her child has fallen asleep and she is left alone with her thoughts. Overall, 'Antica ninna-nanna partenopea' is a beautiful and evocative composition that captures the essence of a traditional Neapolitan lullaby. Its three movements are characterized by different moods and tempos, and they work together to create a sense of depth and complexity. The piece is a testament to Alfano's skill as a composer, and it remains a beloved work in the classical music repertoire.

More....