Isacco Overture

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Timpani — Marianna von Martínes (1744-1812) was an accomplished Viennese composer, harpsichordist, and vocalist. She received early training from her neighbor Pietro Metastasio, as well as a young Franz Joseph Haydn, who was an unknown composer renting a room from her family at the time. Her output included keyboard sonatas and concertos, motets, masses, cantatas, and oratorios. The oratorio Isacco Figura del Reddentore was premiered in 1782 by the Tonkünstler-Societät (Society of Musicians) in Vienna and was one of Martínez’s largest-scale works. This allegro is the first of three sections of the oratorio’s overture. It features buoyant interplay of the violin sections, compelling harmonic development in the low strings, and hooked and spiccato bowings characteristic of the classical era. The optional timpani part adds brilliance, power, and authenticity to the arrangement, making this an excellent program opener or closer. Marianne von Martínez (1744-1812) was an accomplished Viennese composer, harpsichordist, and vocalist. Her output included keyboard sonatas and concertos, motets, masses, cantatas, and oratorios including Isacco Figura del Reddentore (1782). This allegro is the first of three sections of the oratorio’s overture. It features buoyant interplay of the violin sections, compelling harmonic development in the low strings, and hooked and spiccato bowings characteristic of the classical era. The optional timpani part adds brilliance, power, and authenticity to the arrangement, making this an excellent program opener or closer.