Howard/Oviedo Filarmonia - Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari: Il Segreto di Susanna, Serenade for Strings

Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari�s prolific early career succeeded in launching a fundamental renewal of opera buffa, offering a clear alternative to the dominance of Wagner and Puccini, while his Venetian upbringing inspired a songlike and lyrical style. With its subtle orchestration and vivacious Mediterranean charm, Il segreto di Susanna (�Susanna�s Secret�) is a magical comic opera that became a box office success in its day and remains one of Wolf-Ferrari�s most frequently performed works. The early Serenade reveals his innate gift for inspired melody, expressing both carefree bliss and bitter melancholy.