Laboccetta: A Tenor Cellist

Centa, Cristina, De Polo, Lisa, Malagoli, Matteo

96952

Domenico Laboccetta [Messina (Sicily) (1823-1896] was born into a poor family. His parents, still at an early age, entrusted him to the orphanage of Reggio Calabria where he soon revealed his musical talent. In 1830, at the age of just seven, he played cello at the Teatro Nuovo in Messina. Later he studied at the Conservatory of music in Naples where, from 1835, he studied cello with the famous Gaetano Ciandelli, pupil and friend of Nicolò Paganini. Like his teacher, who recommended practicing singing and making the instrument sing, according to a practice that Ciandelli himself had learned from Paganini, Laboccetta discovered to have a pleasant and perfect tenor voice. In 1841 he was appointed principal cellist at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples where he met the then famous tenor Giovanni Basadonna who, having appreciated him as a cellist, helped him to perfect the practice of opera singing.

Laboccetta enjoyed a highly successful international career both as cellist and tenor. This new recording presents works for cello in various ensembles, as well as songs for voice and piano (and sometimes cello). His musical style is a perfect example of the Neapolitan tradition: highly melodious, charming and filled with emotion and nostalgia.

Played by Matteo Malagoli (cello) and a fine selection of excellent Italian vocal and instrumental soloists.

Works:

•Laboccetta: Al chiaro di luna
• Laboccetta: Andante sostenuto
• Laboccetta: Barcarola in A minor
• Laboccetta: Cosetta in C major
• Il Marinaro Little Duet, Op. 50
• Laboccetta: Il poveretto
• Laboccetta: Il rimprovero
• Laboccetta: La zingara
• Laboccetta: Melodia in D minor
• Laboccetta: Morceaux (4)
• Laboccetta: Ninna nanna in G major
• Laboccetta: Notturnino in G minor
• Laboccetta: Romanza in C major
• Laboccetta: Tristezza melodia in D minor

CD x 1

Brilliant Classics

1.09.2023

5028421969527