Francesco Cilea, although primarily an opera composer, turned to instrumental music, particularly piano works, after becoming a Conservatory Director.
Composer Biography
Francesco Cilea, the composer, settled permanently in Varazze in 1943 with his wife Rosa Lavarello, whom he had married there in 1909.
Performer Biography
The pianist Stefania Amedeo, born in Turin in 1965, trained at prestigious Neapolitan schools and has performed extensively in Italy and abroad, specializing in Spanish, Latin-American, and Mediterranean composers.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Cilea's piano music ranges from intimate tones, like those in Berceuse, to exploring new musical language and even Baroque structures, as seen in Suite Antica.
Composition History
This album aims to highlight Francesco Cilea's lesser-known piano works, which are considered artistically significant and a 'true discovery' for their colors and modernity.
Historical Context
In 1950, the city of Varazze granted Francesco Cilea honorary citizenship, recognizing his noble artistic life and inspiration drawn from the Ligurian coast.
Compositional Technique
Cilea's piano works show a blend of agile counterpoint, influences from French Chopin's effective writing, and attempts to connect with the innovations of Casella.
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