Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari

The Profile

Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari (1876–1948) was an Italian composer of German parentage known for luminous late‑Romantic operas and finely crafted orchestral/chamber scores. Celebrated for comic operas like Il segreto di Susanna and the dramatic I gioielli della Madonna, he also wrote concertante works such as the Idillio‑Concertino (Op. 15) and the English‑horn Concertino (Op. 34).

Born in Venice in 1876 to a German father and Italian mother; wrote primarily in a lyrical late‑Romantic idiom; renowned for comic operas and intermezzi; composed Idillio‑Concertino Op. 15 (oboe/strings) and Concertino Op. 34 (English horn), his final work (1947); died in 1948.

A lyrical, 5/5 review paints Wolf-Ferrari as a late-Romantic voice clinging to beauty amid 20th‑century upheavals. It praises the serene, ‘old way’ craft of Idillio‑Concertino Op. 15 and the English‑horn Concertino Op. 34, his final work. Quotes (via Giulio Cogni) frame themes of change, neutrality, and artistic duty. The music is cast as therapy—measured strings, twilight colors, classical poise.