G. Rossini - Complete Overtures 3 - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Muzio Clementi was revered as 'the father of the pianoforte'. He was a virtuoso composer and teacher whose publishing and piano manufacturing made him hugely wealthy. Gradus ad Parnassum in three volumes and completed by 1826 consists of 100 incredibly demanding exercises designed to lead to musical and technical perfection. It remains one of the great compendiums in musical history. Prize-winning pianist Alessandro Marangoni continues his critically acclaimed survey in this third of four volumes.

Rossini's ceaseless wit and invention are best exemplified in his series of operas. His colorful orchestration and command of both comic and tragic elements can be savored in this second of four volumes of the complete symphonic overtures. Guillaume Tell, with it's overture in four movements, includes a scene for five solo cellos. La scala di seta (The Silken Ladder), one of his most popular pieces, opens with an overture of charm and elan. Volume 1 (8.570933) was described by MusicWeb Internationals Inchan admirable start to what looks like being a very desirable seriesInch.

Variations fantômes is inspired by classical music themes from Ravel, Strauss, Schubert and Vivaldi, to name a few. Following the exploration, introspection and reinterpretation of the works of these artists, Philippe B is guided by beauty, melancholy, faith, love and death in writing the lyrics of the very personal pieces that make the album. With his unique way of stringing together words to create vivid imagery, the singer-songwriter tells stories filled with passion, remorse and torment. To accompany his poetic lyrics, he proposes modern yet intense folk music with intriguing ambient sounds, thus setting himself apart from his peers. The result is a harmonious amalgam of guitars, keyboards and violins, sometimes rhythmic, other times softer, all integral to Philippe B's distinct musical universe.