Oliver Waespi

Canzona di Bacco

This piece comprises a series of variations on the melody of 'Ami, dans cette vie' ('Friend, in this life), an 18th century French song. Like the famous poem 'Canzona di Bacco' by Lorenzo de' Medici, this song invites the listener to enjoy life, friendships, love and wine while there is still time to do so. The epicurean nature of this text contrasts with a deeply melancholic melody, a contradiction which is explored in the present work. After a somewhat turbulent first part, the original melody is revealed in a serene and pensive middle section which highlights several soloists. In the last movement, the atmosphere is transformed to become increasingly exuberant, like a Bacchus incantation. The piece concludes with a final dazzling statement of the original theme. Canzona di Bacco was commissioned by the Vesoul Municipal Wind Band, who premiered the work on 24 June 2022 at the Edwige Feuillère Theatre in Vesoul (France), under the direction of Mathieu Anguenot.