Musical output
There is no critical edition of Ciprian Porumbescu’s works. It is believed that he composed 25-300 musical pieces.
During his lifetime he published a collection of “social songs” for Romanian students (Vienna, 1880)
Porumbescu composed vocal music, instrumental, dances, marches and chamber music, but no symphonies.
Recognition
by Ion Cârdei (1933) – Suceava
Ciprian Porumbescu’s talent and merits were recognised instantly after his death as one of the first great composers of Romania.
However, during the communist period, his patriotic image was largely enhanced and used by the state. One of his songs became the national anthem of Albania, the village where he died (Stupca) was renamed after him, the Academy of Music from Bucharest bore his name and the Romanian cinema studios produced a biopic based on his life.
On the right: poster for the movie Ciprian Porumbescu (1973)
Recognition
While the music of Ciprian Porumbescu was performed rather seldom, in 1954 with the occasion of the composer’s centenary, he became the main character of a new operetta: Lăsați-mă să cânt! (Let me sing!) by Gherase Dendrino.
Dendrino’s music is inspired by Porumbescu’s songs, but became very popular being also highly promoted by the state and gradually replaced Crai Nou thanks to a modern libretto.
On the right: Recording of “Let me sing!” opereta by Elecrecord (1966)
Porumbescu 