A Deep Dive into the Works of Sylvio Lazzari
Sylvio Lazzari (1857–1944) was a French composer of Austrian and Italian heritage, notable for his serious, post-Romantic musical style, which drew inspiration from the works of Wagner and César Franck. Born in Bolzano (then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire), Lazzari moved to France in 1862 and later settled in Paris in 1883 after extensive travels and studying law in Austria. At the Paris Conservatory, he studied under Ernest Guiraud, Gounod, and Franck and was encouraged by both Franck and Ernest Chausson. He became a naturalized French citizen in 1896 and held significant musical positions in Paris, such as president of the Wagner Society.
Lazzari's Musical Style
Lazzari's music is characterized by the use of cyclic structures, reminiscent of Franck, Wagnerian influence, particularly in his operas, impressionistic sonorities and lush orchestration, and the incorporation of regional folk elements, especially from Brittany, in some operas.
Key Works and Recordings
Lazzari is best known for his operas, notably La Lépreuse (also referred to as L’ensorcelé, and completed several years before its 1912 premiere), acclaimed for its rich musical language, often drawing on Breton folklore. Noted for its musical content though its libretto was critiqued for its realism. Another significant work, La tour de feu (The Lighthouse, 1928), premiered at the Paris Opéra. This opera was remarkable for its innovative use of cinematic effects—its final scene was performed in front of a projected film of a turbulent sea.
While his operas were significant, some of Lazzari’s orchestral and chamber works have also been revived on occasion. The Rapsodie in E minor for Violin and Orchestra (1922) is a one-movement work that shows Lazzari’s skill for fluid harmonies, lyrical melodic writing, and masterful orchestration. The piece features solemn, chromatic bass chords that evoke a sense of post-Wagnerian nobility and stands out for its unique beauty and structural freedom.