Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari, Italian composer and educator (b. 1876)

Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari, born Ermanno Wolf on January 12, 1876, and passing on January 21, 1948, was a distinguished Italian composer and dedicated teacher. His unique artistic identity was shaped by his dual heritage, having been born to a German father and an Italian mother. This blend of cultures deeply influenced his musical style, allowing him to gracefully fuse the structural depth often associated with German Romanticism with the vibrant lyricism and melodic charm characteristic of Italian opera. He formally adopted his mother’s surname, Ferrari, in 1895, becoming Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari, a name now synonymous with a significant revival of comic opera.

Wolf-Ferrari is primarily celebrated for his captivating comic operas, which brought a refreshing lightness and wit back to the operatic stage in the early 20th century. His works frequently harked back to the tradition of opera buffa, emphasizing sparkling ensembles, characterful arias, and well-crafted librettos that resonated with audiences. Among his most beloved and enduring creations is the one-act intermezzo, Il segreto di Susanna (Susanna’s Secret), which premiered in 1909. This delightful work, renowned for its elegant orchestration and comedic premise, revolves around a young countess whose husband suspects her of having a lover, only to discover her true secret: she secretly smokes cigarettes. Its charm and conciseness have ensured its continued popularity in the repertoire.

A notable aspect of Wolf-Ferrari’s compositional output is his profound and sustained engagement with the works of the esteemed 18th-century Venetian playwright, Carlo Goldoni (1707–1793). Goldoni, celebrated for reforming Italian comedy by moving away from improvised commedia dell'arte to more structured, character-driven plays, provided Wolf-Ferrari with a rich tapestry of human foibles and societal observations. Wolf-Ferrari masterfully translated Goldoni’s wit, keen observation of Venetian life, and engaging characterizations into musical form, often imbuing his operas with a strong sense of place and period.

• Le donne curiose (The Curious Women), first performed in 1903, is an early example of this fruitful collaboration. Based on Goldoni's play of the same name, it humorously depicts a group of women determined to uncover the secrets of an all-male society, leading to comical misunderstandings and revelations.
• I quattro rusteghi (The Four Boors or The Four Obstinate Men), which premiered in 1906, is arguably his most popular Goldoni adaptation. Set during the Venetian Carnival, this opera brilliantly portrays the generational and gender conflicts between four domineering, old-fashioned husbands and their wives and daughters, who yearn for greater freedom and enjoyment. The opera is lauded for its vibrant ensemble writing and lively Venetian atmosphere.
• Il campiello (The Little Square), composed much later in 1936, further showcases Wolf-Ferrari’s enduring affection for Goldoni's plays and Venetian themes. This work beautifully captures the everyday lives, gossip, and aspirations of the colorful inhabitants of a small Venetian square, offering a charming and bittersweet glimpse into local culture.

Wolf-Ferrari's contributions extend beyond these celebrated comic works; he also composed more serious operas, oratorios, cantatas, and instrumental pieces. Furthermore, his tenure as the director of the Liceo Musicale Benedetto Marcello in Venice, a post he held from 1903 to 1909 and again from 1911 to 1912, underscores his commitment to musical education. His legacy lies in his unique ability to synthesize diverse musical traditions, bringing a sophisticated yet accessible voice to 20th-century Italian opera, particularly through his revitalization of the comic genre and his heartfelt homages to Venetian heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari

Who was Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari?

Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari (1876-1948) was a prominent Italian composer and teacher, best known for his comic operas. His music uniquely blended German Romantic influences with Italian lyrical traditions, often reflecting his dual heritage.

What is Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari best known for?

He is most celebrated for his comic operas, especially the one-act intermezzo Il segreto di Susanna (1909). His other notable works include operas based on plays by Carlo Goldoni, such as I quattro rusteghi and Le donne curiose.

What was the significance of Carlo Goldoni to Wolf-Ferrari's work?

Carlo Goldoni (1707-1793) was an influential 18th-century Venetian playwright whose comedies provided significant inspiration for many of Wolf-Ferrari’s operas. Goldoni’s wit, realistic characters, and vibrant depictions of Venetian life were perfectly suited to Wolf-Ferrari's charming and character-driven musical style, enabling him to bring these historical plays to new life on the operatic stage.

What role did Wolf-Ferrari play in music education?

Beyond his prolific compositional career, Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari served as the director of the Liceo Musicale Benedetto Marcello in Venice from 1903 to 1909 and again from 1911 to 1912, demonstrating his dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians.