Written by Engelbert Humperdinck (1854 - 1921) between the years of 1890 - 1893, the opera Hansel and Gretel was an immediate success in Germany, and has remained popular as a German Romantic opera in a lightweight, fairy tale style. The opera is also composed of traditional German folk songs, and this is what gave the usually heavy Romantic style its light touch. Because it was a children's fairy tale, Humperdinck composed it in a not as heavy or lush style as the usual Wagnerian romanticism of the period. For some listeners at the time, this was a relief.

The overture employs the main musical themes that repeat themselves throughout the opera, and this is what Charles Griffes (1884 - 1920) transcribed for his duo piano score. Written in 1910 or earlier, it is probable that Griffes decided to transcribe Humperdinck's Overture to Hansel and Gretel because, while studying in Berlin in 1905 and 1906, he had taken approximately 12 composition lessons with Humperdinck. Griffes admired the composer and his works and learned much about composition from him, even though Humperdinck said in 1906 that he had no more time to teach Griffes, as he was busy with his own composing and traveling. Still, the elder composer's style and method of composition rubbed off on Griffes, and it shows in his works of German Romanticism.

Griffes' transcription of the Overture retains Humperdinck's charm and fairy tale mood of the orchestral version. Especially when the second, faster theme starts, one can almost see the Brothers Grimm's fairy tale children. The left hands of the pianos keep the rhythm, and the Romantic, traditional chords add to the complexity of the piece. The pleasing melodies glide overhead. But still, in some ways, it all sounds deceptively simple. A work of art by Humperdinck, it is commendable that Griffes could re-create the atmosphere of the children's fairy tale with the two pianos. But, Griffes was a master at creating scenes and atmosphere in music, and this is an early example of that talent. The main theme is strewn throughout the Overture, and interspersed with less significant themes. In all, the piece is fun and musical, a well-done transcription of an orchestral work, and an example of traditional—although lighter in manner than most—German Romantic style. Despite its charm, the first recorded performance of this transcription was not made until the year 2000.

© All Music Guide