Allegretto Pastorale, Op. 106, No. 3

Carlo Andrea Gambini (1822-1865) was born in Genoa. Although we know little about his education as a musician, he certainly showed talent at an early age, and by the time he was fifteen or so was already composing and publishing pieces for the piano, the instrument around which his career largely revolved. Indeed, he became one of the foremost Italian pianists of his time, along with Stefano Golinelli and Teodoro Döhler. He was also a prolific composer, however, his oeuvre focusing on piano works for 2 and hands, and extending to include important pieces for chamber ensembles. Moreover, as a composer he was also interested in the organ, largely thanks to his friendship with the Lingiardi organ builders. Gambini’s overall output was considerable, comprising almost 150 Opus numbers and many other unnumbered pieces.

He was well-known as an organ recitalist, and composed a significant set of piece, Op. 106, from which this piece is taken. There are 10 works in this particular edition, edited by the great William T. Best, but I think the entire opus may consist of 20 pieces.

"Allegretto Pastorale" is the third work in this collection that was published by Ricordi. The title page says that these are "Edited and Arranged for the English Organ" (by Best), and this "Anglicized version" has guided my performance.

In the key of G Minor, the "Allegretto Pastorale" is immediately recognizable as an Italian work. The beautiful textures recall the sounds of bagpipes, and the delightfully "quirky" phrases will make you smile.

I used Best's registrations for the most part, particularly where he calls for the combined colors of the Solo's Cor Anglais 16 and the Orchestral Oboe 8.

The score is attached below, as well as a portrait of Carlo Andrea Gambini and one of a monument erected in 1880 to his honor and memory. There is also a photo of William T. Best, the editor.

Tomorrow, Gambini's "Military March." If you liked this one, you'll LOVE that one!