The Daughter of Regiment - Greeting Cards - Sonata - Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco with this exquisite collection of chamber music, released on August 1, 2018, by EMA Vinci classica. This album is a testament to the composer's versatility and genius, featuring a diverse range of pieces that showcase his unique musical language.

The album opens with selections from "La figlia del reggimento, Op. 110," a delightful operatic suite that includes a Larghetto, Romance, Valse, Tyrolienne, and the spirited Rataplan (Rondò militare). These pieces offer a glimpse into Castelnuovo-Tedesco's ability to blend lyrical melodies with rhythmic vitality.

Next, the album presents the world premiere recordings of two pieces from "Greeting Cards, Op. 170": the Intermezzo on the Name of Harvey Siegal and the Hungarian Serenade on the Name of Miklós Rózsa. These compositions are playful and inventive, demonstrating the composer's knack for creating engaging and memorable music.

The album concludes with the Sonata quasi una fantasia, Op. 56, a substantial and deeply expressive work that highlights Castelnuovo-Tedesco's mastery of the sonata form. The three movements, Prologo, Intermezzo, and Epilogo, take the listener on a journey through a landscape of rich harmonies and compelling rhythms.

Throughout the album, Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco's music is brought to life by a talented ensemble of musicians, who deliver performances that are both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. Whether you're a longtime fan of Castelnuovo-Tedesco's music or a newcomer to his work, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, born in Florence in 1895, was an Italian composer, pianist, and writer whose musical journey spanned continents and genres. Renowned for his evocative guitar compositions, Castelnuovo-Tedesco penned nearly one hundred works for the instrument, securing his place as one of the 20th century's most significant guitar composers. His musical prowess extended to the silver screen, where he spent fifteen years as a film composer for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, contributing to over 200 Hollywood movies. Beyond his film scores, Castelnuovo-Tedesco's concertos for violinist Jascha Heifetz and cellist Gregor Piatigorsky stand as testaments to his versatility and depth. Forced into exile by Mussolini's regime, Castelnuovo-Tedesco's story is one of resilience and artistic brilliance, leaving behind a rich legacy of chamber music and concert works that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.