Abstract
Antonio Salieri’s instrumental manuscripts have occupied limited focus in scholarly studies of his oeuvre, and this thesis explores Salieri’s instrumental compositions through a palaeographic and analytical study of some of his most neglected manuscript sources. Comprised of a thesis accompanied by an editorial portfolio, this study explores issues of manuscript study, Salieri’s instrumental oeuvre, and genre in the eighteenth century. Building upon the work of my masters thesis, this project aims to further illuminate understanding of both Salieri’s oeuvre and wider instrumental music of the period.The Österreichische Nationalbibliothek collection of Salieri’s instrumental manuscripts will form the basis of study for this thesis, with a particular focus on four manuscripts: Ballettmusik (A-Wn: 3762), Ballettmusik bzw. Serenata in 16 Nummern (A-Wn: 3764), Ballettmusik bzw. Serenata in 12 Nummern (A-Wn: 3765), and Bruchstücke zu Ballettmusiken, bzw Serenaten (A-Wn: 3766). A common thread between these is the indecisive genre suggestions of ‘Ballettmusik’ or ‘Serenata’, which imply a limited understanding of manuscript contents. My research is centred around questions regarding manuscript content, purpose, and use, particularly regarding the performance of this music throughout Salieri’s career. This thesis works to answer these questions through close analysis of the sources, carried out through a synthesis of musical, palaeographic, and contextual study that is supported by both full re-constructions and transcription editions of the manuscripts.
The central finding of this research is the complete re-construction of Salieri’s 1778 ballet, Pafio e Mirra, which presents the work in its entirety for the first time since contemporary performances of the eighteenth century. Other hypotheses include a ‘Serenade in 8 Movements’, framed within a study of the orchestral serenade and genre ambiguity in the late-eighteenth century, and the consolidation of research questions and current theories regarding the fragmentary manuscript 3766. This study works to present Salieri’s instrumental manuscripts in context, widening the scope of knowledge surrounding their preservation and identifying routes for continuing study and analysis of this repertoire.
| Date of Award | 4 Apr 2025 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Supervisor | Catherine Haworth (Main Supervisor) |