Divertimento a tre
Ernesto P. Pellegrini
About this work:
Metamorphosis on a theme from Verdi's Falstaff – "Reverenza"
The work was awarded first prize in the Arizona Cello Society – ASUC 1975-76 Cello Ensemble Composition Competition. First performed at Ball State University, New Music Festival, Spring 1977. Recording available on CRS label.
It is based upon a thematic fragment from Verdi's opera Falstaff. Falstaff is a memorable character in three of Shakespeare's plays – King Henry IV, Part I; King Henry IV, Part II; and the Merry Wives of Windsor. He is often considered Shakespeare's greatest comic character. In 1893, with the help of Arrigo Boito, who wrote the libretto, Verdi brought Sir John Falstaff to life in his opera.
In the story, which uses the plot of Shakespeare's Merry Wives of Windsor, Falstaff, a merry, fat, roguish, grotesque knight realizes that once again his purse is empty. Ambitiously and ingeniously he sets out to fill it by wooing and winning the affection of a wealthy woman, Mrs. Alice Ford. If Falstaff were to win her and the way to her husband's purse strings – all of his problems would be ended. Things don't go as Falstaff has planned, however, for Alice Ford, with the help of Mr. Ford and Dame Quickly, another "merry wife" of the story, sets out to teach the fat knight a lesson, once and for all, by – in the words of the opera libretto – "puffing him up and exploding him." Dame Quickly sets Falstaff up, assuring him that her friend Mrs. Ford sighs for him and wants to meet him while her husband is away. With a sweeping bow and feigned respect, she addresses Falstaff as "Your Reverence" (Reverenza).
It is this mischievous theme that is used as the basis of this composition. It really epitomizes the plotting and the spirit of frolicking good fun with which the merry wives set out to shame the incorrigible Falstaff.
Year composed: 1975
Duration: 00:13:30
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:Other Combinations, 2-5 players
Instrumentation: ,1 Bassoon soloist(s), ,2 Cello soloist(s)