Italian impressions - Angelo Sormani

"Italy is truly a magical land that has touched my heart beyond measure." These are the words describing the feelings that accompanied the various visits of the American conductor Wesley Broadnax in our country. Italian Impressions, a composition dedicated to Broadnax, portrays these feelings in three main sections that develop without interruption throughout the piece. The first section, "Magic Land," describes a trip to Rome and is a tribute to the splendor and magic of some of the venues in this city. Rich in historical and cultural significance, these places are moving because of their surprising architecture and artistic genius. The second part, "The Huge Castle," depicts his visit in the Umbrian Region. It is a reflective and suspended immersion in music that describes landscapes characterized by ancient houses, churches, courtyards, and squares. "Assisi," says Wesley, "is the city that glitters in the night sky, comparable to a huge castle!" The third part, "Medieval Ballad," is a reference to the city of Siena and Tuscany more generally. The main theme of this movement recalls medieval atmospheres and is based on the fourteenth-century ballad "Ecco la primavera" by Francesco Landino. The original material is presented, elaborated, and juxtaposed with new thematic motives, which lead to an energetic conclusion of the piece.