Alfredo Casella: Scarlattiana / Pupazzetti / Pagine di guerra / Sonatina / Canzone a ballo / Cocktail's Dance / Ninna nanna / Quattro favole romanesche / Tre canzoni trecentesche

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Alfredo Casella's neoclassical compositions with this enchanting album, released on August 10, 2009, by La Bottega Discantica. Spanning a rich 78 minutes, this collection showcases Casella's versatility and mastery across a variety of genres and instruments.

The album opens with "Scarlattiana," a delightful divertimento based on the music of Domenico Scarlatti, performed by piano and a small orchestra. This suite of five movements—Sinfonía, Minuetto, Capriccio, Pastorale, and Finale—offers a charming exploration of Scarlatti's themes, reimagined through Casella's unique lens.

Next, "Pupazzetti" for chamber orchestra brings a playful and whimsical atmosphere, followed by "Pagine di guerra" for four-hand piano. This powerful piece is a poignant response to the horrors of World War I, with each movement depicting a different scene from the war-torn landscapes of Belgium, France, Russia, and Alsace.

The album continues with a series of solo piano works, including the elegant "Sonatina, Op. 28," the lively "Canzone a ballo, Op. 47," the sophisticated "Cocktail's Dance," and the tender "Ninna nanna, Op. 47." These pieces demonstrate Casella's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and moods through the piano.

Vocalists and pianists alike will appreciate the final two sets of songs. "Quattro favole romanesche di Trilussa" features settings of humorous and satirical poems by Roman poet Trilussa, while "Tre canzoni trecentesche" offers a glimpse into the musical style of the Italian Trecento, with Casella's distinctive touch.

Throughout this album, Alfredo Casella's compositions shine with wit, elegance, and emotional depth, making it a compelling exploration of his musical legacy.