Description
The “Prelude for Clara Wieck”, a tribute dedicated to her by Paganini, is presented here in a transcription for strings. The “Sonata a Preghiera” with the IV^ string of the solo violin tuned to C, and recorded with the original orchestra parts, supports the claim that the solo violin passages in the introduction, recitative, and allegro, stemming from Franzoni’s inheritance, are original. This assertion is grounded on two fronts: first, in the striking resemblance to Paganini’s style, suggesting authenticity and their inclusion in the orchestral score; second, in the documented relationship between Achille, Paganini’s son, and Romeo Franzoni. Correspondence from Franzoni dated September 8, 1939, reveals that on August 2, 1885, Achille entrusted him with some of his father’s manuscripts on the “special condition that no one would be allowed to play them or be shown them and that they remain unpublished.” Franzoni’s frequent visits to Paganini’s villa in Gaione suggest he had access to various manuscripts, potentially including the “Sonata a Preghiera”, and was able to reproduce its original parts – introduction, recitative, allegro – in the original version. While the variations remain faithful to known themes, adjustments were made to harmonize with the orchestral parts. In the finale, Vogler’s original theme is employed, later varied by sixteenth-note sequences, leading to a climactic conclusion where the soloist traverses the entire string with celebratory arpeggios.
