Bruno Maderna's "Composizione in tre tempi," composed in 1954, exemplifies his innovative approach to orchestral composition in the mid-20th century. Structured in three movements—"Allegro scorrevole," "Adagio," and "Allegro"—the piece reflects Maderna's exploration of modernist techniques and his interest in integrating diverse musical elements. Notably, the composition blends serialism with popular motifs, creating a cohesive yet eclectic musical language.

The orchestration of "Composizione in tre tempi" is designed for a full orchestra, featuring a detailed formation that includes English horn, three flutes (also playing piccolos), two oboes, E-flat clarinet, two clarinets, bass clarinet, two bassoons, contrabassoon, four horns, four trumpets, three trombones, tuba, vibraphone, marimba, harp, piano, celesta, xylophone, glockenspiel, guitar, mandolin, timpani, and an extensive percussion section. This rich instrumentation allows for a wide palette of timbral possibilities, enabling Maderna to experiment with various textures and sonorities throughout the approximately 16-minute piece.

"Composizione in tre tempi" stands as a testament to Maderna's ability to synthesize complex compositional techniques with accessible musical forms. By intertwining serial structures with familiar melodies, he creates a work that is both intellectually rigorous and emotionally resonant, reflecting the dynamic cultural landscape of post-war Europe.