Benjamin de la Fuente - La Longue Marche: Works for Violin & Electronics - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Zingari's libretto was inspired by Alexander Pushkin's poem InchThe GypsiesInch. Following Zazà and Il Rolando di Berlino, Leoncavallo had abandoned the Wagner-inspired practice of writing his own librettos, and accepted the collaboration with Enrico Cavacchioli supported by the Sonzogno. The opera first premiered in London in 1912. Having had considerable success at the time, the opera left soon the repertoire of theaters following the composer's death. Today, we can affirm that Zingari isn't a poor quality repeat of Pagliacci, and Leoncavallo's energy and creativity had not abandoned him. And it is unfair that the opera was consigned to oblivion for so long, apart from a revival by Italian broadcasting in the RAI production of 1975 and a further staging at Montecatini in 1999. This recording is thus a major step towards rectifying this state of affairs.

Benjamin Schmid - Violin Concerto [COMPACT DISCS] date 03/22/2005

Benjamin Bertin - InchNikolaï Medtner les trois dernières sonates pour pianoInch / Of the 14 piano sonatas composed by the Russian composer Nikolai Medtner (1880-1951), Canadian pianist Benjamin Bertin has selected the last three sonatas for his ATMA Classique debut album. These sonatas represent a contrasting and fascinating portrait of the mature composer at the peak of his powers. In terms of ingenuity of form, diversity of mood and character, and overall mastery of craft, these final works are akin to those of Beethoven, who inspired Medtner throughout his life.