Bruno Maderna's Introduzione e Passacaglia is a striking orchestral work that showcases his deep engagement with serial techniques and expressive freedom. Composed in 1953, the piece reflects Maderna’s affinity for both rigorous structural organization and lyrical, fluid gestures. The Introduzione features a slow, atmospheric opening with rich textures and subtle dynamic shifts, gradually leading into the more structured Passacaglia, where a recurring theme undergoes continuous transformation. This contrast between spontaneity and formal discipline highlights Maderna’s unique voice within post-war avant-garde music.
The Passacaglia section builds upon a repeating bass motif, a traditional technique reimagined through Maderna’s modernist lens. Fragmented melodies and shifting orchestral colors give the piece a sense of constant evolution, with moments of tension and release shaping its dramatic arc. The work exemplifies Maderna’s synthesis of historical forms with contemporary innovations, making it a significant contribution to mid-20th-century orchestral repertoire. Through Introduzione e Passacaglia, Maderna not only pays homage to classical traditions but also expands them with his exploratory and expressive approach.
- Difficulty:
- Intermediate/Advanced
- Instrumentation:
- Picc, 3Fl, 2Ob, CA, 2Cl, BCl, 2Bsn, Cbsn, 4Hn, 3Tpt, 2Tbn, BTbn, Tba, Strings
- Duration:
- ca. 9 minutes
- Set of Parts:
- Includes Strings count 4.4.3.3.2
- Extra Strings:
- Only available with the purchase of the Set of Parts