Luigi Cortese, Suite Française Op. 29, Sonata Op. 39 and other chamber works

Featuring

Luigi Cortese
Giorgio Lippi
Luciano Sgrizzi
Gabriella Ravazzi
Gina Fontana
Riccardo Agosti

Massimo Lauricella

Did you know?

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Composer's Artistic Vision

Luigi Cortese's teacher, Alfredo Casella, drew Cortese to a 'Mediterranean, Latin style' rich in colors, which Cortese himself contrasted with the 'monotony' of the Viennese school.

Composer Biography

Luigi Cortese, the composer, had a French mother, which fostered his bilingualism and interest in Parisian culture.

Composer Biography

After the war, Luigi Cortese co-founded the Società Filarmonica Genovese in 1945, which brought famous Italian musicians like Gianandrea Gavazzeni and Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli to Genoa.

Composer Biography

After studying mathematics and piano, Luigi Cortese moved to Paris to study harmony with André Gedalge (teacher of Ravel and Honegger), composition with Ernst Levy, and piano with Alfred Cortot.

Historical Context

During World War II, Luigi Cortese composed his first opera, 'Prometeo' (Prometheus), based on Aeschylus's tragedy, as an act of faith in justice and humanity during a dark historical period.

Recording & Production

This album features two 'historical' mono recordings from the 1960s, including Luigi Cortese himself performing his 'Suite Française', alongside newer recordings made by Dynamic.

Composer Biography

Luigi Cortese was appointed director of the 'N. Paganini' Music High School in 1951 and later became the artistic director of the 'Premio Paganini' international violin competition, a role he held until his death in 1976.