The three Neapolitan ‘sinfonie’ of Dr Paolo Nani : a critical edition and analysis (ACM. Mus. Mss. 1834, 1833, 1835)

Abstract

This dissertation is divided into five chapters. Chapter one includes a brief biography of Dr Paolo Nani, and chapter two provides information about the development of sinfonia writing in Italy and under Paolo Nani’s hand. Chapter three deals with a study of the three works, including analysis of motif, themes, harmony, style, texture and form. This chapter shows how rhetorical figures and overall planning are central to Nani’s three Neapolitan sinfonie. Chapter four presents a Critical Edition of the Sinfonia in Do, Sinfonia in Re, and Sinfonia in Re Magg[iore]. This chapter comprises (i) a General Preface (discussing the editorial method adopted in this edition based on the autograph score and separate parts); (ii) a computerised transcription of the full score; (iii) the Critical Notes, (which examines the autograph scores); and (iv) a Critical Commentary (in which all details of editorial intervention and those including clarification and resolution of problematic issues encountered in the autograph score, are recorded). The aim of this dissertation is to promote a better understanding of Dr Paolo Nani’s life and career towards the middle of the nineteenth century, with special reference to his instrumental works and his studies in Naples. The three sinfonie were composed in Naples under the tuition of Gaetano Donizetti (17971848). The research presented in this dissertation aims to enhance the composer’s standing in the history of Maltese nineteenth century music, and to exhibit his compositional techniques employed for this instrumental genre.