Matteo Carcassi's true birth date was recently discovered through his baptism certificate, revealing he was born on April 8, 1796, in Florence, not 1792 or 1793 as previously thought.
Performer Biography
Raffaele Carpino, the guitarist on this album, played for the soundtrack of the film series 'La Bibbia' with music by Ennio Morricone and Marco Frisina.
Composer Biography
Carcassi's father, Salvatore Giacomo, and grandfather, Tommaso Antonio, were both luthiers in Florence, indicating a family tradition of instrument making.
Compositional Technique
The six Fantasies on this album incorporate themes from popular arias, ballets, marches, and overtures by composers like Rossini and Auber, which were performed in Paris between 1828 and 1830.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Carcassi dedicated his life not only to developing technical and didactic methods for the guitar but also composed many wonderful compositions that deserve rediscovery.
Composer Biography
Matteo Carcassi, like many guitarists of his time, was self-taught on the instrument, developing into a virtuosic performer and excellent teacher.
Composer Biography
Carcassi served in the French Department 'Arno' rifle battalion of the army from 1811 to 1815, before beginning his musical career in Paris.
