Paisiello's concertos are characterized by an innate gift for inventing melodies and an effective conciseness, a trait he may have refined while serving Catherine the Great, who favored brevity.
Composer Biography
Giovanni Paisiello, the composer, enjoyed a considerable international reputation, gaining favor with rulers like Catherine the Great of Russia, Joseph II of Vienna, and Napoleon in Paris.
Interpretation
Although Concerto No. 1 was conceived for harpsichord and Concertos No. 3 and No. 5 for fortepiano, they retain their transparent beauty when performed on a modern piano, as on this recording.
Composition History
Concertos No. 3 and No. 5 were specifically intended for the fortepiano and dedicated to Princess Maria Louisa of Parma, who later became Queen of Spain.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded at the Royal Palace of Caserta, Italy, with Concerto No. 1 recorded in May 2007 and Concertos No. 3 and No. 5 in November 2007.
Composition History
Paisiello's first two keyboard concertos, including Concerto No. 1 on this album, were written during his time as maestro di cappella at the Russian court in St Petersburg.
Performer Biography
Francesco Nicolosi, the pianist on this album, is a distinguished Italian pianist who won prizes at the International Santander Piano Competition and the Concours International d'Exécution Musicale in Geneva.
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