Download PROGRAM NOTES by Steven Lowe ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK

PROGRAM NOTES by Steven Lowe
ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK
Prelude to Hansel and Gretel
BORN: September 1, 1854, in Siegburg, Rhine Province, Germany
DIED: September 27, 1921, in Neustrelitz, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerian, Germany
WORK COMPOSED: 1890–91
WORLD PREMIERE: December 23, 1893, in the Hoftheater in Weimar, Richard Strauss conducting
Engelbert Humperdinck was among many composers (e.g., Handel and Schumann et al) whose
parents tried to dissuade their gifted son from pursuing a career in music. By age seven the lad
had already composed music; four years later two Singspiels (German operas with spoken
dialogue between musical numbers) had joined the canon of his musical efforts. Like children
worldwide Humperdinck loved fairy tales, a passion he never abandoned. When his sister
suggested that he compose songs based on the classic Grimm fairytale Hansel and Gretel he
more than accommodated her request, eventually expanding the music into a full-fledged opera
that has captivated audiences ever since.
The popular Prelude — Humperdinck preferred the term to “overture” — opens with burnished
tones dressed in Wagnerian garb, soon followed by warm commentary from strings and
eventually winds. A quicker-paced episode follows, suggesting childhood frivolity. A new stringsled lyrical section follows, itself alternating with bouncy material before the opening chorale-like
fanfare makes a brief reappearance. Energetic passages intervene between lyrical episodes. Like
many preludes (or overtures), songs and dance music from the opera supply the rich thematic
material.
Scored for piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets and 2 bassoons; 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3
trombones and tuba; timpani, percussion and strings.
© 2015 Steven Lowe