Wow, this is beautiful. I think Puccini ironically gets somewhat undervalued as his music usually occurs in the context of an operatic storyline, and it has such popular appeal because of its grand late Romanticism. But he finds amazing ways to stretch the bounds of tonal language. He has a cutting-edge quality all his own. This particular piece packs so much depth into one minute. While it is generally in E minor, the ending seems to imply B minor and a deceptive cadence, so even though it ends in G Major (which is technically aligned with the key signature), it sounds inconclusive. To me, the piece seems to display a sort of introspective suffering quite unlike the very outward emotions associated with the operatic medium. The performer here also does an outstanding job. It is very hard to get so few notes to sound so beautifully intertwined and expressive. Thanks so much for promoting this.
Puccini gets short shrift critically, although that's changing somewhat now, but he was well respected by many of the major composers of his time. Ravel loved his music, and Webern was impressed by La fanciulla del west. Schoenberg said good things about him. Puccini's later operas, especially Fanciulla, Tabarro, and Turandot are fascinating scores. He never wanted to be anything but an opera composer, but as you say this piece shows he had talent outside of opera.
@@MiScusi69wow thanks for asking! Actually I like it more now! I think it has a lot of potential for being a beautiful piece. My issues are now with the choice of pedalling and phrasing in this performance. I still find that it has “ugly” moments but that could actually be exploited to make an interesting and enigmatic little piece! Again thanks for asking. Puccini is still one of my favorite composers ever
Wow, this is beautiful. I think Puccini ironically gets somewhat undervalued as his music usually occurs in the context of an operatic storyline, and it has such popular appeal because of its grand late Romanticism. But he finds amazing ways to stretch the bounds of tonal language. He has a cutting-edge quality all his own. This particular piece packs so much depth into one minute. While it is generally in E minor, the ending seems to imply B minor and a deceptive cadence, so even though it ends in G Major (which is technically aligned with the key signature), it sounds inconclusive. To me, the piece seems to display a sort of introspective suffering quite unlike the very outward emotions associated with the operatic medium. The performer here also does an outstanding job. It is very hard to get so few notes to sound so beautifully intertwined and expressive. Thanks so much for promoting this.
Puccini gets short shrift critically, although that's changing somewhat now, but he was well respected by many of the major composers of his time. Ravel loved his music, and Webern was impressed by La fanciulla del west. Schoenberg said good things about him. Puccini's later operas, especially Fanciulla, Tabarro, and Turandot are fascinating scores. He never wanted to be anything but an opera composer, but as you say this piece shows he had talent outside of opera.
Woww I love puccini but this piece is ugly lol
(I know I will say the opposite one year from now)
It's been one year. What do you say now?
@@MiScusi69wow thanks for asking! Actually I like it more now! I think it has a lot of potential for being a beautiful piece. My issues are now with the choice of pedalling and phrasing in this performance. I still find that it has “ugly” moments but that could actually be exploited to make an interesting and enigmatic little piece! Again thanks for asking. Puccini is still one of my favorite composers ever