Adriana Lecouvreur

The opera "Adriana Lecouvreur" was composed in 1902 by Francesco Cilea (1866-1950), a native of Palmi (southern Italy) and slightly younger contemporary of Puccini and Mascagni. Cilea's music, while retaining the style of Italian verismo opera, is noted for its graceful melodies and delicate, colorful harmonies. Among these, the aria "I am the humble servant of God's immortal art" sung by Adriana in Act 1, has become a beautifully iconic piece representative of the entire opera. The story revolves around the real-life actress Adriana Lecouvreur, her lover Maurizio, and her rival, the Princess of Bouillon, weaving a passionate love story with beautiful, dramatic music that is a masterpiece of Italian opera.

This wind band arrangement is divided into four main sections. It opens with the theme of the love duet from Act 4, a melancholic melody that represents the tragic life of the protagonist, Adriana. A quick shift after rehearsal number [1] introduces the intense and powerful theme of the Princess of Bouillon. This is followed by Maurizio's aria marked "Allegro marziale," "The order received by the Russian Menshikov," where percussion is skillfully used, and the intricate orchestration adds tension throughout the music. From rehearsal number [10], the atmosphere turns fantastical, with the famous aria "I am the humble servant of God's immortal art" beautifully sung by Alto Sax. Various solos follow, eventually leading to the love duet theme between Adriana and Maurizio from Act 1, showcasing Cilea's splendid musicality. Distant church bells ring, and from rehearsal number [18] the themes of Adriana and the Princess of Bouillon clash, leading to a dramatic finale and the close of the curtain.

Enjoy this masterpiece brimming with Cilea's deep artistry.

Excerpts:
The love duet theme from Act 4
Maurizio's aria "The order received by the Russian Menshikov"
Adriana's aria "I am the humble servant of God's immortal art"
The love duet from Act 1

(Koh Shishikura)