Tuesday 22 February 2011
Tune of the Day: Pizzicati
from “Sylvia” by Léo Delibes
The Divertissement from Act III of Léo Delibes's 1876 ballet Sylvia, subtitled “Pizzicati”, is undoubtedly the ballet's greatest hit. It's a quiet, tip-toeing little dance for pizzicato strings, with a brief interlude for woodwinds in the middle.
According to The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, this “Pizzicato Polka” is “traditionally played in a halting, hesitant style that appears to have been no part of Delibes's conception”.
Thanks to Jeffrey for suggesting this piece!