Niccolò Piccinni
Ouverture to the opera Diane et Endymion
Orchestra
edited by Adriano Cirillo
Niccolò Piccinni (1728–1800) was one of the most significant figures in Italian and French opera during the second half of the 18th century. His Diane et Endymion, a three-act tragédie lyrique based on the mythological tale of love between a goddess and a shepherd, was first performed in Paris in 1784. The overture reveals the composer’s mastery in capturing both the grandeur and intimacy of the drama. After a stately introduction, graceful melodies and lively contrasting sections with vibrant orchestration set the tone for an enchanting and emotional musical journey.
Music example (pdf)