Liszt: Rossinian Dreams (Piano Transcriptions, Variations And Impromptu) – Fiammetta Corvi

Normally, operas are conceived at the piano, where composers sketch themes, structure their harmonies and polyphonic lines, draft the composition; only later are orchestral colours added. From the stage, themes and airs from beloved operas came back to the piano, in the form of variations sets, impromptus, potpourris and fantasies whereby famous motifs were given new life as the inspiration for virtuosity and singing style. This happens with the works recorded in this Da Vinci Classics album, where works by a very young Liszt on themes by Rossini and Spontini open the way for more mature transcriptions and paraphrases, including a touching rendition of Rossini’s Cujus animam (from Stabat Mater), and a spectacular version of the Overture to La Gazza ladra, whose unforgettable musical elements are put into relief.