In the 19th century, composers transcribed operatic works to help students become familiar with new trends, as direct attendance at opera houses was not always possible in smaller towns.
Interpretation
The pianist faces the challenge of deciding whether to recreate a singer's voice or focus solely on the pianistic aspects when performing these operatic transcriptions.
Interpretation
Giacomo di Tollo considers every performance a transcription, and in this album, he is making a transcription out of a transcription.
Compositional Technique
The album includes pieces specifically arranged for the left hand, such as Paul Wittgenstein's transcription of the 'Humming Chorus' from Puccini's Madama Butterfly.
Historical Context
The album features a piece by Francesco Masciangelo, a composer from Abruzzo, which represents the 19th-century tradition of music teachers adapting and dedicating pieces to their students.
Cultural Impact
Italian culture, including its music, is widely recognized and loved abroad due to its quality, tradition, and the increasing number of Italian communities worldwide.
Interpretation
The pianist, Giacomo di Tollo, aims to explore the musicality of operatic transcriptions, ranging from the most complex to the most simple.
