Castelnuovo-Tedesco: Appunti, Op. 210

Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco's "Appunti, Op. 210" is a captivating collection of chamber music that showcases the composer's remarkable versatility and mastery. Originally from Italy, Castelnuovo-Tedesco fled anti-Semitism before World War II and settled in Hollywood, where he composed over 200 film scores. This album, released on Brilliant Classics in 2015, offers a profound exploration of his non-film compositions, specifically his studies and preludes for guitar.

The album is divided into three main sections, or "Quaderni" (notebooks), each focusing on different musical aspects. The first notebook, "Gli intervalli," delves into the exploration of intervals, with each track focusing on a specific interval, from unison to the tenth. The second notebook, "I ritmi," is a journey through various dance rhythms, ranging from historical dances like the pavane and gagliarda to more modern ones like the tango and rumba. The final notebook, "Le figurazioni," features two pieces inspired by mechanical devices, "La macchina da cucire" (The Sewing Machine) and "La filatrice" (The Spinner).

With a duration of 1 hour and 43 minutes, this album is a substantial and engaging exploration of Castelnuovo-Tedesco's musical language. It's a testament to his ability to blend traditional forms with innovative ideas, creating a unique and compelling body of work. Whether you're a fan of classical guitar music or simply looking to explore new musical territories, "Appunti, Op. 210" is sure to delight and inspire.