Francesco Cilea (1866-1950) went into history as the composer of one opera, Adrienne Lecouvreur. However, this late romantic Italian left a fine oeuvre of chamber and solo works, wonderfully evocative music, full of subtlety and finesse, in the style of early Debussy, studies in sonority and instrumental colours.
This new recording presents a selection of art songs and piano works. The songs are typically Italian in their simple, fluid, and elegant vocal melodies. “The real instrument of expression of the passions is the divine human voice, with which no instrument can ever compete” As Cilea himself said in an interview.
Beautifully performed by Lenny Lorenzani (soprano) and David Boldrini (piano).
Works:
•Francesco Cilea: Romanza
•Francesco Cilea: Il mio canto
•Francesco Cilea: Alba novella
• Francesco Cilea: Nel ridestarmi
• Francesco Cilea: Serenata
• Francesco Cilea: Romanza (Pianoforte Solo)
•Francesco Cilea: Vita breve
•Francesco Cilea: Ninna nanna popolare savoiarda
• Francesco Cilea: Maria mare (arr. D. Boldrini)
•Francesco Cilea: Statuit di dominus
• Francesco Cilea: Badinage (Pianoforte Solo)
• Francesco Cilea: Au village (Pianoforte Solo)
• Francesco Cilea: Ave Maria
• Francesco Cilea: Pensiero spagnolo (Pianoforte Solo)
• Francesco Cilea: Bionda larva
•Francesco Cilea: Ave Maria da Tilda (Arr. D. Boldrini)
• Francesco Cilea: Agnus dei
• Francesco Cilea: Fuga sul tema ‘Io son l’umile ancella’ da Adriana Lecouvreur