D'Ambrosio: Complete Music for Violin & Piano
Alfredo d'Ambrosio (1871-1914) was an Italian composer and violinist. He studied under Enrico Bossi at the Conservatory San Pietro a Majella in Naples, and later with Pablo de Sarasate in Madrid and August Wilhelmj in London. He then settled in Nice, and devoted himself to his compositions and his work as a teacher. Born in Naples, Alfredo d'Ambrosio wrote two violin concertos, a string quartet in c minor, a quintet, but he is best known for the various concert pieces for violin and piano, which enjoyed great popularity in the early 20th century. His second violin concerto, dedicated to Jacques Thibaud was premiered by Georges Enescu on 6 April 1913 in Paris, conducted by the composer. This new recording presents the complete works for violin and piano, delightful miniatures in sophisticated salon style, with titles such as Serenade, Berceuse, Canzonetta, Romanza, Valse etc. Played by Mauro Tortorelli (violin) and Angela Meluso (piano), whose previous recordings for Brilliant Classics (Saint-Saëns, Milhaud, Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Scalero) were highly praised in the international press. ‘Tortorelli is equally impressive on viola and on violin… On both instruments he spins a flawless, silky line with perfect intonation.’ (Fanfare, May 2017 – Milhaud). ‘This release is not just for violinists and lovers of violin music; it’s for everyone. Urgently recommended.’ (Fanfare, July 2021 – Scalero), ‘Sympathetic performance… employing many idiomatic (at least to the period) expressive devices.’ (Fanfare, May 2015 – Saint-Saëns).