Synopsis
The Latin word “juvenilia” is commonly used for works produced in an artist’s, writer’s, or composer’s youth. Sometimes, as in the case of Mozart or Mendelssohn, these early works are still worth hearing. Other composer’s juvenilia, such as the early, bombastic concert overtures of Richard Wagner, are seldom granted more than one hearing—if that. Take his “Columbus” Overture… PLEASE!
Most musicologists—and modern audiences—have decided the title is probably the best thing about that work of the 20-something Wagner.
But persistence pays, and some seven years later, on today’s date in 1844, a 31-year-old Wagner conducted the premiere in Dresden of an overture he wrote that still shows up occasionally on concert programs today. This piece is entitled “A Faust Overture,” and was originally conceived as the first movement of a “Faust” Symphony that Wagner never got around to completing.
In his autobiography, Wagner claimed Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony as a principal influence, but to modern ears it’s apparent that Wagner had been studying the scores of his slightly older French contemporary, Hector Berlioz, when at work on this piece. Berlioz’s “Romeo and Juliet” Symphony, in particular, seems to have impressed Wagner at the time, and so Wagner’s orchestra recounts the Faust legend with just the slightest hint of a French accent.
Music Played in Today's Program
Richard Wagner (1813 – 1883) A Faust Overture Philadelphia Orchestra; Wolfgang Sawallisch, cond. EMI 56165
On This Day
Births
1822 - Italian composer Luigi Arditti, in Crescentino, Piedmont
Deaths
1870 - Austrian composer Josef Strauss, age 42, in Vienna;
Premieres
1833 - Cherubini: opera,"Ali Baba," at Paris Opéra
1844 - Wagner: "A Faust Overture," in Dresden
1847 - Verdi: opera "I Masnadieri" (The Bandits), in London at Her Majesty's Theater
1919 - Manuel de Falla: ballet, "The Three Cornered Hat," in London, by Diaghilev's Ballet Russe
1930 - Chavez: ballet "The Four Suns," in Mexico City;
1934 - Cowell: "Movement" for string quartet (String Quartet No. 2), at Mills College in Oakland, Calif., by the Pro Arte String Quartet
2000 - London premiere of Colin Matthews: "Pluto - The Renewer" (intended as a contribution to Gustav Holst's "The Planets"), at a BBC Proms concert; This music was first performed on May 11, 2000, by the Hallé Orchestra in Manchester, with Kent Nagano conducting
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About Composers Datebook®
Host John Birge presents a daily snapshot of composers past and present, with timely information, intriguing musical events and appropriate, accessible music related to each.
He has been hosting, producing and performing classical music for more than 25 years. Since 1997, he has been hosting on Minnesota Public Radio's Classical Music Service. He played French horn for the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra and performed with them on their centennial tour of Europe in 1995. He was trained at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Eastman School of Music and Interlochen Arts Academy.
