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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