Ponte Romano

Ponte Romano, dedicated to Walter Chenuile and Claudio Porté, was
written on the commission of the Orchestre d’Harmonie de
Pont-Saint-Martin, a small parish in the French autonomous region of
Val d’Aosta in the northwest part of Italy. An impressive Roman bridge
in the village center complements the mountainous and somewhat rough
nature of the wide surroundings. This centuries-old building was the
composer’s direct source of inspiration for writing this concert
overture, which has the air of a symphonic poem because of its
programmatic theme. A threatening allegro that alternates, linking
virtuous and choral themes, follows the massive introduction. A third
rhythmical theme is introduced by trombones and trumpets, and further
develops in almost all other orchestral sections. The allegro as a
whole may be characterized by a quasi-obsessive cadence, as if a Roman
army constantly beats the time. After the repetition of earlier
elements, the piece ends with a bright final chord.