ROSSINI Piano Music Vol. 1

Marangoni, Alessandro

8.570590-91

Rossini retired (absolutely) from composing operas at the age of 37 and spent his final years in writing numerous piano pieces (not always so short—several here are over ten minutes in length). He called them Péchés de vieillese (‘Sins of Old Age’) and arranged them in 14 volumes. Each of the pieces has a neat sobriquet; one of the most charming here is the Petite polka chinoise; others are Une pensée à Florence and the well-named Petite valse de boudoir. Many start with a bold, commanding introduction and then lapse into a simple melody. Une Cauchemar is like an impromptu, while Gymnastique d’écartement certainly requires delicate exertion from its performer, and Un réveil en sursant is crisp and pointed. There is even a fugue (Prélude fugassé). Although lightweight, Rossini displays a continuing fund of invention, and these pieces are well worth exploring. Alessandro Marangoni plays them persuasively, although he might at times display just a little lighter touch….• Penguin Guide, January 2009

CD x 2

Muzyka klasyczna

Naxos

15-04-2008

747313059072