Orchestra da Camera 'Ferrucio Busoni', Massimo Belli, Simonide Braconi - Rolla: Music for Viola and Ensemble 2 Sinfonias (2015)

Tracklist

01. Divertimento BI 330 for Viola and String Quartet: I. Andante sostenuto - II. Allegro alla polacca
02. Viola Concerto in E-Flat Major, BI 545: I. Andante sostenuto - Allegro
03. Viola Concerto in E-Flat Major, BI 545: II. Largo —
04. Viola Concerto in E-Flat Major, BI 545: III. Rondo. Allegro
05. Viola Concertino in E-Flat Major, BI 328: I. Allegro maestoso —
06. Viola Concertino in E-Flat Major, BI 328: II. Andante un poco sostenuto
07. Viola Concertino in E-Flat Major, BI 328: III. Polonese. Allegretto
08. Sinfonia in D Major, BI 530: Maestoso sostenuto - Allegro vivo
09. Sinfonia in D Major, BI 531: Maestoso sostenuto - Allegro vivo

Alessandro Rolla was, in his time, so exalted for his virtuosic viola skills that his playing was said to make women faint. His extraordinary abilities took him away from his hometown of Pavia, leading him to settle in Milan at the world famous Teatro alla Scala. Known for his ballet music, Rolla was also a renowned composer of instrumental works, and the influences of his two most admired composers, Mozart and Beethoven, can be clearly heard in much of his music.

This release brings together an important selection of Rolla’s compositions, clearly anchored in the Classical style. The virtuosic Viola Concerto in E flat gives the solo instrument a starring role, as the somewhat sparse orchestral accompaniment serves only to highlight the soloist’s dexterity. The Divertimento and Concertino are similarly styled, with grand orchestral entries marking the start of long virtuosic passages in the viola. Soloist Simonide Braconi, a highly experienced player, makes light work of the demanding material, allowing his instrument to soar over the orchestral tapestry. The two Sinfonias are taken from manuscripts found in the library in Parma, generously lent for this release and specially revised by conductor Massimo Belli. Written in the same key, the two symphonies have much in common, though Rolla adds an interesting addition in the Sinfonia BI531, with an unexpected violin solo rising high above the rest of the ensemble.

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