The Station Orchestra
conducted by Warwick Braithwaite

The young Charpentier, having won at the Paris Conservatoire the premier prize in composition (the 'Prix de Rome') went, under the terms of the award, to study in Italy, and it was there that he thought out the five pieces comprising an Italian Suite. The printed score contains descriptions of each of the pieces.

I. Serenade. Young men coming from the inns are ardently singing beneath the windows of their sweethearts songs that have a trace of sadness. They are answered by mandolines and guitars.

II. At the Fountain. Grave, graceful girls move towards the ravine where the cascades flow, bearing pitchers on their heads. From the hill-sides come the gay songs of the shepherds.

III. On Mule-back. Toward evening, on the road that winds round the Sabine hills, the mules trot along to the music of their jingling bells. We hear the muleteer's song ('Cello) and the tender songs of girls.

IV. On the Heights. Noon in the Desert of Sorrento, the height that overlooks the town. We see the sun-scorched country through a haze of heat, and hear the joyous bird-songs and the distant monastery bell.

V. Naples-its population, its outdoor life and joyousness.