The Moscow Chamber Orchestra, founded in 1956 by Rudolph Barshai, was called 'the greatest chamber orchestra in the world' by Dmitri Shostakovich.
Composition History
Mercadante secured a scholarship to the Naples Conservatory by using a false birth certificate to appear younger, which led to him composing his Flute Concerto no. 2 in E minor by 1814.
Composer Biography
Saverio Mercadante, like other prominent Italian composers of his time, composed over 70 operas and held positions at royal opera houses in Madrid and Lisbon.
Performer Biography
Raffaele Trevisani, the flutist on this recording, was a student of Sir James Galway for many years and has received praise from other renowned flutists like Jean Pierre Rampal and Julius Baker.
Performer Biography
Constantine Orbelian, the conductor, is the first American ever to become music director of an ensemble in Russia, leading the Moscow Chamber Orchestra since 1991.
Compositional Technique
Mercadante's flute concertos follow a standard three-movement form: a brisk Allegro in sonata form, a contemplative slow movement, and a jaunty rondo.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Mercadante's flute concertos showcase his first-hand experience with the instrument and a preference for the lyricism and textural clarity characteristic of the bel canto style.
