GRAGIANI: Sonatas Op.8 For Violin & Guitar [CD de audio] Franco Mezzena, Massimo Scattolin and Gragiani

With the dawn of the French Revolution came the reinvention of the guitar. Transformed in form and equipped with a new set of techniques that saw its archaic tablature system replaced by mensural notation, the instrument became an instant hit with the listening public of Europa , particularly with the middle classes, who used its new power to ensure its leading role in the popular music of the time. Among the composers now drawn to writing for the instrument's wide range of expression was Filippo Gragnani; Born in Livorno in 1768, he first trained as a violinist before turning to composition. The three sonatas included in this collection are part of Op. 8 and are full of melodic inventiveness: composed for violin and guitar, they perfectly capture Gragnani's style while maintaining a delicate balance between the rigor of classical Viennese elegance, Italian song and the energy of gallant music. Although the violin has most of the interest, the guitar has a number of solos that allow its player to indulge in a virtuoso display. Together with the rhythmic energy of the fast movements and the inspired lyricism of the central ones, this charming collection of works offers a fascinating insight into the wealth of repertoire composed for the guitar, one of the most popular instruments of the Napoleonic era. Featuring performances full of momentum and composure, the recording is a worthy addition to any serious guitarist's library.