Saverio Mercadante (1795-1870) was one of the most important opera composers of 19th century Italy. Nurtured on Neapolitan soil he soon gained success all over Italy, where his operas were praised for their strong dramatic impact and brilliant orchestration, a link between Rossini and Verdi. Mercadante wrote 60 operas, symphonies, concertos and a vast body of chamber music. This new recording presents works written for solo flute: 6 Capriccios and 10 “Arias with variations”. These works show a personal language that blends a taste for lyricism with the pleasure of instrumental bravura. Laura Trapani is a successful Italian soloist and chamber music player, she specializes in the music of Edgar Varèse.