Two previous albums on Brilliant Classics have introduced audiences to the music of Bartolomeo Campagnoli (1751-1827), an early-Classical violinist and composer whose music had until recently been almost entirely lost to history. And yet these recordings of string quartets (BC95037) and flute quartets (BC95399) have shown how charming, unaffected, original and enjoyable is Campagnoli's voice, at least in performances sympathetic to the performing style of his time. The quartets album was awarded five stars and nominated for Album of the Month by CdClassico. Com: 'Required listening'. The duos on this new recording are two- or three-movement sonatas in all but name. Some of them have been recorded before, but Stefano and Francesco Parrino present here the only available complete recording. The works illustrate how Campagnoli could write of his own music as combining 'German erudition and Italian soul', and without false modesty. Spohr heard him play in 1804 and described his style as elegant and fluid but somewhat old-fashioned, which fits Campagnoli's duos too. He wrote them between 1780 and 1796 while in the employ of Charles of Saxony, Duke of Courland, in Dresden, and they are expertly calibrated to appeal to aristocratic tastes for pleasant and lively music in the galant style, always falling easily upon the ear. As well as performing and recording in duet for many years, the Parrino brothers have been members of orchestras across Italy and beyond. As one half of the Quartet DuePiÃ¹Due they recorded the Flute Quartets of Cambini for Brilliant Classics (BC95081), 'a close-knit and well balanced ensemble,' according to the Critica Classica website, 'producing excellent interpretations which should delight a wider public without courting banality. '

Tracklist:

Duet I In E Major, Op. 2: I. Allegro
Duet I In E Major, Op. 2: II. Rondò Allegro
Duet II In A Major, Op. 2: I. Allegro
Duet II In A Major, Op. 2: II. Lento Romance
Duet II In A Major, Op. 2: III. Rondò Allegro Molto
Duet III In D Major, Op. 2: I. Allegro
Duet III In D Major, Op. 2: II. Siciliana
Duet III In D Major, Op. 2: III. Polonoise
Duet IV In G Major, Op. 2: I. Allegro
Duet IV In G Major, Op. 2: II. Romance Con Espressione
Duet IV In G Major, Op. 2: III. Rondò
Duet V In E Minor, Op. 2: I. Allegro
Duet V In E Minor, Op. 2: II. Minuetto Un Poco Adagio
Duet V In E Minor, Op. 2: III. Rondò Allegro
Duet VI In C Major, Op. 2: I. Andante Con Variazioni
Duet VI In C Major, Op. 2: II. Minuetto
Duet VI In C Major, Op. 2: III. Rondò

UPC: 5028421959740
Label: Brilliant Classics
Release Date: 11.1.19
Format: CD

Campagnoli / Parrino - 6 Duos for Flute & Violin (CD)