Luigi Alberto Bianchi plays a 1716 Stradivarius violin known as the 'Colossus', which was previously owned by famous violinists Viotti, Baillot, and Thibaud.
Performer Biography
Luigi Alberto Bianchi, the violinist and violist on this recording, first gained international recognition as a viola player before starting his violin career.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Nino Rota maintained a trust in tonal language, a stylistic choice rarely found among his contemporaries, despite his studies with Casella and association with Stravinsky.
Composition History
The chamber music on this album, some of which are recorded for the first time, spans from 1934 (the first viola Sonata) to 1969 (the Improvviso for violin).
Composer Biography
Nino Rota, though famous for his film music, was one of the most prolific and versatile Italian composers of the 20th century.
Compositional Technique
Rota's extraordinary ease of invention resulted in melodic lines that are enviably natural, combined with a wise use of instruments and skillful formal balance.
Performer Biography
Marco Vincenzi, the pianist, earned a Prix de Virtuosité from the Conservatoire Supérieur of Geneva and a Musicology Prize from the Lipatti Foundation of Bucharest.
