Wolf-Ferrari; The Jewels of the Madonna - Serenata

Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari 1876 – 1948. An Italian composer and teacher. He is best known for his comic operas such as Il segreto di Susanna (1909). A number of his works were based on plays by Carlo Goldoni, including Le donne curiose (1903), I quatro rusteghi
(1906) and Il campiello (1936).

The Jewels of the Madonna is an opera in three acts by Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari to an Italian libretto by Carlo Zangarini and Enrico Golisciani, based on news accounts of a real event.
It was first performed at the Kurfürstenoper in Berlin on 23 December 1911 under the title Der Schmuck der Madonna. That performance was in German, but now it is usually given in Italian. (Wolf-Ferrari stated that his operas were often first given in German simply because he had a German publisher). The opera was given in Budapest in 1913, conducted by Fritz Reiner, who also conducted the first Dresden performance the following year [Ref: Philip Hart, Fritz Reiner, Evanston Illinois, 1994.
Its controversial themes include love between a brother and his adopted sister, implied criticism of the Catholic Church, and an on-stage orgy. There is an extant recording of the opera, made in 1967, featuring Pauline Tinsley, Andre Turp and Peter Glossop, conducted by Alberto Erede. It was issued on CD - Bella Voce #107242. A new recording was released in 2016 on the Naxos label.
On this video - An Italian composer's work seems apt for this gorgeous visual extravaganza based on the commedia dell'arte. The roots of which were based in baroque Italy and upon which almost every aspect of the theatre we know today is based.
It is the season of pantomimes, rich vibrant colours and merry revelers so what better way to celebrate than with this combination of themes and music. Enjoy!

'The Christmas Masquerade' (Creative Producer - Charlotte Lloyd Webber) is based at Castle Howard North Yorkshire until 5th of January 2020.

Album Info:-
Wolf Ferrari; The Jewels of the Madonna Suite -
and other orchestral music from the operas.
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - Jose Serebrier.
ASV Digital - recorded 1993
CD DCA 861

Apologies for any unintended infringement of copyright. This video has not been made for any element of personal profit or gain

[trevorfleisig]

This tune tickled my memory banks. Lovely beautiful music

[michaelgreen]

This has always been a favourite piece of mine and your video enhances it wonderfully. Happy Christmas!

[mikejohnston]

THIS IS the exact piece I remember from during WW2.❤

[richardhindley]

Thank you Jane, I was looking for this on YouTube a few weeks ago and was surprised that it wasn't there. So now, thank you, posted inevitably by someone who appreciates Angela Morley, too.I heard it originally when I was quite young, when it introduced a dramatised radio version of Noel Streathfield's book 'Ballet Shoes' on the BBC's 'Childrens Hour' which I listened to regularly. I have just researched Noel, and discovered she's a woman!

[uksewingmachineservice]

Really really nice ther brilliant vid have a great Christmas frend don 🤠🇬🇧👍🎅🎅🎅🎅🎅🎅🎅🎄🎄🎄🎄

[feline]

Please note - for some inexplicable reason several kind comments have disappeared they have certainly not been deleted by me. All comments are valued!

[richardhindley]

And apologies for incorrectly spelling your name, Jayne.

[mikejohnston]

It surlry must finish with Good Night Children, everywhere.