Adelina polka op. 162

Within Ponchielli’s catalogue of band music, only four dance types appear: polka, schottische, mazurka, and waltz. The autograph manuscript of the polka Adelina is undated and is not mentioned in the concert programs published in the Corriere Cremonese; it was likely one of the first compositions written by Ponchielli for the Band of the Cremona National Guard. Op. 162 is also known in a pianola roll version produced by the company F.I.R.S.T. (no. 3874).

The formal structure of Adelina Polka Op. 162 reflects the traditional tripartite form of dance pieces: a brief introduction, a first section (in E♭) built upon two similar thematic ideas and repeated, a Trio (in A♭), bipartite and repeated, followed by the reprise of the opening section. The dotted writing and the frequent use of acciaccaturas give this polka a lively, light, and playful character.

Centro Studi Amilcare Ponchielli
Giuseppe Riccucci