The Grand Potpourri National features national airs from various countries, including a Scottish Air, a polonaise, a Spanish bolero, "Rule, Britannia!", "Vive Henri IV!", and the Austro-Hungarian Empire's anthem.
Composition History
The Grand Potpourri National, a joint work by Hummel and Giuliani, is linked to the Congress of Vienna (1814-1815), which redrew the map of Europe after Napoleon's defeat.
Instruments
Jan Schultsz plays a fortepiano by Johann Fritz, Vienna 1815, which is a 2004 copy by Mirko Weiss.
Composer Biography
Mauro Giuliani, a 25-year-old Italian guitarist, conquered Vienna's formidable musical scene, which at the time included Haydn, Salieri, Albrechtsberger, Beethoven, and Hummel.
Recording & Production
This album is a coproduction with SRF 2 Kultur and was recorded in August 2020 at Radiostudio Zürich, Switzerland.
Historical Context
Giuliani, Hummel, and Moscheles were part of a secret society of artists called Ludlamshöhle, where members received humorous nicknames, such as Salieri being dubbed Don Tarar di Palmira.
Instruments
Pablo Márquez plays a guitar by Johann-Anton Stauffer from around 1842, lent by Mme. Brigitte Zaczek, and a terz guitar by Gennaro Fabricatore (a 2007 copy by Arnoldo García).
