Overture from тhe Оpera Paria

The opera Paria is the last completed work of Stanisław Moniuszko. Its premiere took place on 11 December 1869 year at the Grand Theater in Warsaw, three years before the composer's death. The libretto of the opera, written by Jan Chęciński, is after the eponymous tragedy by Casimir Delavigne. Reminiscences of Wagner or Chopin are easily traceable in his music. In terms of harmony and orchestration, Pariah is the composer's most versatile work. It is scored for an expanded orchestra, featuring tam-tam, gong, bass clarinet and counter-bassoon. The overture to the opera is particularly vibrant and is considered by many to be Stanislav Monyushko's best orchestral work.