Puccini: Crisantemi (Chrysanthemums)

The Brodsky Quartet here turns to the sunshine, bright colours, and deep-set passions of the South, performing Latin-inspired music for string quartet by composers who all possessed a strong connection to the ‘South’, whether it was the Mediterranean or South America.

Paganini’s Capricci Nos 6 and 24 need no introduction. They are among the most published and reviewed virtuoso pieces ever composed, and have been frequently arranged over the last two hundred years, with each new reading allowing us to discover Paganini’s art afresh. This version has been arranged by the violinist Paul Cassidy, a long-standing member of the Brodsky Quartet.

We have the chance to hear chamber works by two further Italian composers, who would always be known primarily for their massive achievements in opera. In fact, the sad melodies of Puccini’s Crisantemi would later be used in the tragic fourth act of the opera Manon Lescaut. The Quartetto in E minor was the only string quartet Verdi ever wrote, and he himself insisted on presenting it as a mere trifle, stating that it was composed ‘in idle moments’ before the premiere of Aida. This Quartet divided opinion. Whereas some reviewers recognised the technical difficulties of the work, others thought Verdi’s Italian temperament inappropriate to instrumental music.

The inspiration to La oración del torero (The Toreador’s Prayer) came to Turina during a Spanish bullfight, during which he watched as a bullfighter received the prayerful Sacrament of Holy Unction, while all around a feverish excitement over the forthcoming fight was overtaking the crowd. The work itself displays elements of French impressionism, combined with strong evocations from the Spanish bullfighting arena.

Four, for Tango, written in 1988 for the Kronos Quartet, is a prime example of Piazzolla’s own style of ‘Nuevo Tango’; this new form of tango became popular around the world, and was generated from combining Argentine folklore with so-called ‘art music’. Also on this disc is Hugo Wolf’s ‘Italian’ Serenade, a work equally full of captivating rhythms, harmonic warmth, and dancing themes.

‘How wonderful to hear Boccherini played with such poise’ (The Strad)

Alba’s new release Adagio includes the most beautiful works composed and arranged for string orchestra, performed by the world-famous conductor Jose Serebrier and the St.Michel Strings. Not only is Adagio a very pleasant recording but features no fewer than four world premiere compositions, including one by the conductor José Serebrier.

Throughout the ages Freemasonry has always viewed music as a fundamental and powerful aspect of their moral and ethical doctrine. Vice versa many composers found in the Freemasonry an expression of their own personal beliefs and philosophies. This CD presents an original selection of works by composers associated with Freemasonry: Spontini, Berlioz, Clementi, Sibelius, Puccini, Ciannella. New recordings, by various ensembles and orchestras, on original instruments when relevant. Booklet notes in Italian and English.

A society whose origins date back to the late-16th century, freemasonry has always viewed music as a powerful tool for communicating its fundamental message: to encourage a moral and ethical approach to life.While Mozart is undoubtedly the most famous composer associated with the movement, this engaging CD reveals some of the many others who were involved or whose work conforms to the society’s ideologies.

This collection begins with a world premiere recording on period instruments of two works by the Italian opera composer and conductor Spontini. As well as featuring various unpublished compositions by the contemporary Marco Ciannella, such as his Suite for flute and piano, the collection also explores Clementi’s little-known Symphony in B flat before visiting Puccini’s Crisantemi (a single, dark-hued elegy originally written for string quartet) and Sibelius’ Andante festivo – the composer’s most apparently religious statement, full-throated and hymn-like in sound. Although comprising highly varied music that reveals the diversity of styles embraced by freemasonry, this collection is also striking for its pervading sense of beauty – a beauty that is the essence of the society’s ‘column of harmony’. A charming assortment of carefully selected works that gives equal standing to the famous and less wellknown.

This is the second release on Capriccio by the Signum Quartett. After the success of their first recording, a disc of String Quartets by Ludwig Thuille (C5049), they return with Quartet Movements which have all found their way into concert schedules worldwide.

Featuring Quartet Movements by Anton von Webern, Hugo Wolf, Giocomo Puccini and Charles Ives amongst others, the Signum Quartett give dynamic and fresh performances.

All the members of the Quartetto di Roma share the common desire to carry on the prestigious Italian string quartet tradition. As well as the basic string quartet repertoire, they also focus on less wellknown Italian works of the 19th and 20th centuries. The ensemble has performed in Europe Turkey and the Far East and their performances have been particularly appreciated and acclaimed in Germany.