ROMANZA E SCHERZOSO
This work is part of a trilogy of compositions, additionally comprising the clarinet Concertino Op. 48 and the flute Divertimento Op. 52; all three of these late works are distinguished by a Mozartian lightness, clarity, and conciseness, the result of Busoni's great love of the Viennese master toward the end of his life. There is some confusion over the correct title of the Op. 54. Some Breitkopf catalogues also describe the work simply as Romanza e Scherzoso Op. 54, and add in parentheses "Concertino II Satz".
But a note in small print in the score says that the Op. 54 can be played separately or following the Concertstück Op. 31a. Evidently Busoni thought of the composite work (that is, Op. 31a followed by Op. 54) as having the title Concertino. In some catalogues the Concertstuck is described as "Concertino D dur fur Klavier und Orchester, Op. 31. I. Introduzione e Allegro". In fact a composite edition was issued by Breitkopf & Haertel in 1922, titled Concertstück für Pianoforte mit Orchester, Op. 31a. Concertino für Pianoforte und Orchester. II. Romanza e Scherzoso op. 54, with a new catalogue number: Part. B. 2824.
The structure of the Romanza e Scherzoso is simple enough: an andantino sostenuto is followed without a break by an allegro molto. The allegro molto is briefly interrupted by a return of the andantino tempo.
[Sitsky, 76-77]
