Servais - O cara memoria, Op. 17 (Urtext Edition)

Fantaisie et Variations based on “O cara memoria” by Michele Carafa (Caraffa) (1787–1872) was first published in February 1860 and dedicated to Baron Arthur O’Sullivan de Grass (1838–1865). “O cara memoria” comes from Carafa’s opera Adele di Lusignano (or Adelaide). Other themes may have been used, however, since the complete opera score is not

Fantaisie et Variations based on “O cara memoria” by Michele Carafa (Caraffa) (1787–1872) was first published in February 1860 and dedicated to Baron Arthur O’Sullivan de Grass (1838–1865). “O cara memoria” comes from Carafa’s opera Adele di Lusignano (or Adelaide). Other themes may have been used, however, since the complete opera score is not extant currently, it is not possible to confirm this hypothesis.

Fantaisie et Variations begins with a dramatic orchestra introduction followed by a series of variations. A version of the theme is stated in the recitative (m. 17), followed by another iteration by the orchestra (m. 36). The official “Tema” is stated at measure 66. The theme is followed by variations marked 1, 2, and 3. The fourth variation, slow barcarolle, is not marked. This is followed by the restatement of the theme and a finale.

Schott reissued a version of Fantaisie et Variations edited by Ernest de Munck (1840–1915). This edition, ca. 1895, has a special plate number “15810 de M.” This re-engraved version moved Var. 2 to the position of the finale and removed the thematic material of the finale altogether. In November 1862, Schott also published a flute version of this piece by Jules Deneux.

Our edition is based on the first edition of the version with piano published by Schott in February 1860.