Sinfonietta (Korngold)
The Sinfonietta in B-flat major, Op. 5, is an early orchestral work by Erich Wolfgang Korngold. Composed in 1911-1912 when Korngold was just 14 years old, it showcases his precocious talent and already-mature compositional skills.
The Sinfonietta is structured in four movements:
- Allegro giocoso
- Scherzo. Molto allegro
- Molto adagio e mesto
- Finale. Allegro agitato
The work is characterized by its lush orchestration, late-Romantic harmonies, and dramatic flair, reflecting the influence of composers like Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler. Despite being written by a teenager, the Sinfonietta demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of orchestration and a confident command of large-scale musical form. The themes are lyrical and memorable, and the work as a whole is both virtuosic and emotionally engaging. It received considerable acclaim at its premiere and helped to establish Korngold as a major force in contemporary classical music.