Serenata

Description

Enrico Toselli (1883-1926) lived a short but brilliant life.He achieved fame as a brilliant concert pianist at an early age, and became a popular Italian composer. He settled in Florence, where he wrote many songs. His first work was this “Serenata” which he wrote at the age of 17. It is still the most popular of all his compositions.

Toselli achieved most of his fame from the scandal occasioned by his marriage to Luise, Princess of Tuscany, after she deserted her husband who was Crown Prince of Saxony. The marriage didn’t last five years.

This setting of “Serenata” is designed to feature the viola section as a solo group in front of the orchestra. I have tried to show the entire range of the instrument, and encourage the players to produce a warm, focused sound throughout. Although the music can be played almost entirely in first position, a much nicer musical result will come with extensive use of third position, and fingerings are provided. It is important that orchestra always stay under the soli line while maintaining tonal clarity. Feel free to bend tempi, especially where passages with grace notes occur. Never hurry- take time to allow the music to sing.

Published by: String Instrument Specialists