Antonio Mercurio, Mihaela Costea, Alice Baccalini - Hidden Voices: 20Th Century Italian Works for Double Bass (2026) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Marangoni Elegia in E Minor
02. Marangoni Fantasia e polacca
03. Capua Romanza senza parole
04. Mortari Duettini concertati I. Incontro
05. Mortari Duettini concertati II. Elegia
06. Mortari Duettini concertati III. Capriccio
07. Mortari Fogli d'album I. Lento
08. Mortari Fogli d'album II. Allegro moderato
09. Mortari Rapsodia elegiaca I. Preludio
10. Mortari Rapsodia elegiaca II. Intermezzo
11. Mortari Rapsodia elegiaca Introduzione e canzone a ballo
12. Berio Psy
13. Mercurio Capriccio dell'anima

The double bass, the largest and lowest-pitched instrument of the string family, has a rich and evolving history. Its origins date back to the 15th and 16th centuries, when early bass instruments like the violone were used in European music. Unlike the violin family, the double bass developed with influences from both the viol and violin families, which explains its varied shapes and tuning systems. By the 18th century, it became a standard member of the orchestra, providing depth and harmonic foundation. Over time, makers refined its design, increasing its size and improving its sound projection.
This enterprising program presents works for double bass from 20th century Italy, ranging from double bass solo, duos with violin and duos with piano. Composers include Giuseppe Marangoni, Giovanni de Capua, Virgilio Mortari, Lucia Berio and Vito Mercurio.
The guide through this fascinating journey is Antonio Mercurio (double bass), with his musical partners Mihaela Costea (violin) and Alice Baccalini (piano).
Antonio Mercurio held principal double bass positions at the Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini in Parma, the L. Cherubini Orchestra under Riccardo Muti, he is regularly invited as principal by orchestras like the Orchestra Accademia di Santa Cecilia, Balthasar Neumann Orchestra, Teatro San Carlo, and Royal Northern Sinfonia and Filarmonica della Scala.