Performance Practice & Stylistic Interpretation Worksheet: Romanesca by R. Leoncavallo

This worksheet is part of the Level 8 Triquetrae Intermediate Piano Programme.

Technical Summary of Ruggiero Leoncavallo's "Romanesca" (1890) as part of Triquetrae Music's Intermediate Programme, featuring a vintage portrait of the composer in an elegant setting. (Wikimedia.org, 2022)

Please complete the answers in your Music Zibaldone or Music Journal for your next lesson.

The Listening Sources

1. Composer’s Interpretation (1905)

   
   

2. Orchestral Interpretation: Orquesta de Cámara de Zapopan - Romanesca

   
   

3. Modern Piano Interpretation 1

4. Modern Piano Interpretation 2

Part 1: Skill Identification (The "How")

Analyse how each performer handles the following Romantic expressive devices.

Copy the chart into your book or print this page.

TQ Level 8 Worksheet.pdf

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Skill / Device	Version 1: Composer (Piano)	Version 2: Orchestral	Version 3: Piano	Version 4: Piano
Agogic Accents (Are the notes leant into?)
Tempo Rubato (Is it 'compensatory' or free?)
Articulation (Legato/Staccato/Tenuto)
Dynamic Shaping

Part 2: Reflective Analysis (The "Why")

• What I liked

  • Which version felt most "authentic" to the stile antico?

  • Which felt most "Romantic"?

• What I didn't like

  • Was there a moment where the rubato felt too disruptive or the agogic accent too heavy?

• Historical Connection: 

  • How does Leoncavallo’s own playing (1905) differ from a modern recording?

  • Does he take more or less rhythmic liberty than you expected?

    
    

Part 3: Performance Application (The "Action")

Imagine you are preparing this piece for a recital.

Based on your listening:

1. Identify one specific bar where you will apply an agogic accent.

2. Describe the 'breath': How will you use a ritardando (R) or accelerando (A) to define the phrase?

3. Synthesis: How will you balance the "Ancient" structure with the "Romantic" emotion?