SERENATA NAPOLETANA: Music for Mandolin and Piano [CD de audio] Raffaele La Ragione, Giacomo Enrico Ferrari and Varios

As the famous expression goes, there is no place in the world more beautiful than Naples, so once there, there is no need to go further. This version invites you to experience a Neapolitan night, or Neapolitan serenade, with a collection of beautifully relaxing music for mandolin and piano. Although at the end of the 19th century Naples was more famous for its songs than for its instrumental music, it was actually a highly innovative period for the mandolin. In fact, the two forms developed closely with each other, with some characteristics crossing over into both vocal and instrumental music; the uniquely Neapolitan melodic lines are strongly conveyed in both voice and mandolin, and the accompaniments also contain similarities, with the piano on this record clearly invoking the flute that would normally accompany a singer. This version brings together 12 different composers to offer a fascinating selection of music from this era, none of which had been recorded before. Almost all of the prominent composers studied or taught at Naples' renowned conservatory, San Pietro a Majella, where the mandolin was treated seriously as a classical instrument for the first time. These pieces are a fitting accompaniment to the long tradition of Neapolitan song, and any lover of romantic music will find themselves immediately transported to one of Italy's most seductive and evocative cities. Supported by musicologist Ugo Orlandi, who has been promoting a revival of Neapolitan music for the mandolin, these rare works are performed by young performers Raffaele La Ragione and Giacomo Ferrari. With Raffaele originally from Naples, the two met while studying in Milan, and soon found a shared passion in these works. They have given several public performances together, which the newspaper praised for their lyrical and elegant touch.