The legendary Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti sings La Girometta, a charming Italian art song composed by Gabriele Sibella, during a concert at New York’s Central Park on June 28, 1993. New York Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Leone Magiera. More than 500,000 listeners gathered for Pavarotti’s free performance on that day.
Gabriele Sibella’s La Girometta
“La Girometta” is a charming Italian art song composed by The legendary Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti sings La Girometta, a charming Italian art song composed by Gabriele Sibella, often included in collections of Italian songs and arias that are favored by vocal students and recital performers. The piece is known for its light, playful character, encapsulating the pastoral and often romantic themes typical of many Italian art songs of the period.
Like many art songs of its era, “La Girometta” focuses on vocal expression, with the melody designed to highlight the singer’s range, control, and expressive capabilities. The piano accompaniment supports the vocal line, often mirroring or complementing the melody and adding depth to the song’s emotional landscape.
“La Girometta” is appreciated for its melodic beauty and the way it captures the essence of Italian melodic writing, with flowing lines, clear phrasing, and a delicate balance between the vocal part and the piano. It offers performers a chance to explore expressive nuances and convey the song’s light-hearted yet evocative mood.
This piece is a staple in the repertoire of students and professional singers alike, serving as a fine example of an Italian art song that is both accessible to beginners and rewarding for more advanced musicians. Its charm, lyrical melody, and expressive potential make it a beloved choice for recitals and performances, continuing to enchant audiences with its timeless appeal.
Sources
- “Review/Music; Pavarotti Sings, and the Great Lawn Is All Ears” (Pavarotti’s 1993 Central Park concert review) on the New York Times website
- La Girometta (Sibella, Gabriele) on the International Music Score Library Project website
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