Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari (1876-1948)

Among Wolf-Ferrari’s compositions, the positive mood of the Serenade for string orchestra is unique, or almost unique.It can be associated, even with its diversities, to 15-year old Mendelssohn composing his string Octet. The Serenade in E flat was performed on occasion of the end of year concert of the Musical Academy of Leipzig and became immediatelypopular. It was conducted by Ludwig Abel, who later proposed it to Steingräber, a publisher from Leipzig that published it and paid his author 150 marks. As to op. 26 in D major, the collaboration between Wolf?Ferrari and Guila Bustabo was actually even more intimate and significant. Op. 26 is peculiar, because of its duration – less than 40 minutes – the number of its movements – there are 4 instead of 3 – and for its tonal style – showing Wolf-Ferrari’s connection to the past. He took inspiration from the traditional romantic concerto and then renewed it. This works shows Wolf-Ferrari’skeenness despite his age: he was 70, while Giulia Ferrari was 27. In Ettore Tito’s portrait of Wolf-Ferrari, Guila Bustabo is represented like a mermaid. And she really was.