Il Clarinetto Piccolo all'Opera: 19th Century's Italian Music for Piccolo Clarinet and Piano

Featuring

Davide Bandieri
Duncan Gifford
Javier Balaguer Doménech
Ernesto Cavallini
Giuseppe Cappelli
Giacomo Panizza

Luigi Bassi

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Composer Biography

Ernesto Cavallini, known as the 'Paganini of the clarinet', was the lead clarinetist at La Scala in Milan and inspired Verdi to compose a clarinet solo for his opera 'La forza del destino'.

Historical Context

In the 19th century, Italian opera became a widespread cultural and social phenomenon across Europe, inspiring many instrumental compositions.

Performer Biography

Duncan Gifford, the pianist on this album, won the First Grand Prize at the prestigious International 'José Iturbi' Competition in Spain in 1998 and the 'Maria Callas Grand Prize' in Athens in 2000.

Recording & Production

This album is a unique project, featuring repertoire for piccolo clarinet that is largely unknown or forgotten, with some works recorded for the first time.

Historical Context

The 19th century saw a rise in musical virtuosity, with figures like Liszt on piano and Paganini on violin, which also extended to wind instruments like the clarinet.

Instruments

During the 19th century, the clarinet underwent significant improvements, expanding its register and sonority, and leading to the enhancement of instruments like the piccolo clarinet.

Performer Biography

Davide Bandieri, the piccolo clarinetist on this album, was the First piccolo clarinet in the Madrid Symphony Orchestra and is currently the First solo clarinet in the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra.