Sinfonietta No. 1 by Heitor Villa-Lobos Orchestra - Sheet Music

SKU: PR.611198510

UPC: 680160425365.

Sinfonietta No. 1 is an early work, dating from 1916, the year of composition of his first symphony. The Sinfonietta, dedicated to the memory of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, calls for a classic chamber orchestra of woodwind in pair, horn, trumpet and trombone also in pair, timpani and strings. Villa-Lobos premiered the first two movements in Sao Paulo in 1922 with the orchestra of the Sociedade de Concertos Sinfónicos. The autograph is deposited at the Villa-Lobos Museum. In three movements (Allegro giusto, Andante non troppo, Andantino), the work is based on two themes of Mozart. According to the commentaries of some of the composer's works (reproduced in Villa-Labos, Sua Obra, 1967), the first theme, "delicate and subtle, [suggests] the European aristocratic elegance of the 18'h century;" the second "violent, deep and mysterious [presents] the characteristics of Germanic genius." The intent of the work was apparently to "describe the conflict between culture, represented by the scholastic prejudices and rules, and the temperament of the free, spontaneous artist, independent from any theory." However the conflict may be expressed here in actual compositional terms, this short delightful work bears witness to the composer's knowledge and recognition of the great Austrian artist. --Gerard Béhague REVIEW: ...I find the early Sinfonietta No. 1 to be delightful throughout. This three movement work was composed at the very beginning of Villa-Lobos's career and is a loving and artful look back at the materials and processes of the classical period (although, in fairness, there is a good deal of Romantic orchestration and emotionality at times). I was put in mind of both Prokofiev's 'Classical Symphony' and Bizet's early 'Symphony in C.' If you know those pieces you will have some idea of the thrust here. This is ingratiating music, and in the middle movement, at 11 minutes the longest of this 21 minute work, there are some melodies that are simply first class, supported by conservative but at the same time sometimes surprisingly piquant harmonies. This piece is given a loving and beautiful performance here. I would nominate the Sinfonietta for repertoire status. --Scott Morrison, Amazon.com.