Michele Esposito (1855-1929) was born in the poor south of Italy. Bad luck prompted him to go abroad and he finally settled in Ireland, where he spent the last 46 years of his life, founding the Dublin Orchestral Society. He conducted the London Symphony Orchestra, with whom he also performed his own piano concerto conducted by Hamilton Harty. Esposito's works have a particular Irish flavor, freely making use of folk melodies and generally expressing the atmosphere of the Irish landscape and folklore. This release presents his complete output for violin and piano, real discoveries in this genre, works of deep emotional content and a high level of virtuosity. Played by two Italians with the right romantic feel for this music: violinist Carmelo Andriani and young Vincenzo Maltempo (who received great critical acclaim for his stunning recordings of piano music by Alkan and Schumann on Piano Classics).

Tracklist:

Violin Sonata No. 1 In G Major, Op. 32: I. Moderato
Violin Sonata No. 1 In G Major, Op. 32: II. Lento
Violin Sonata No. 1 In G Major, Op. 32: III. Allegro Vivace
Irish Rhapsody No. 1 For Violin And Piano, Op. 51
Five Irish Melodies For Violin And Piano, Op. 56: No. 3 "Silent, O Moyle"
Five Irish Melodies For Violin And Piano, Op. 56: No. 5 "When Through Life"
Two Irish Airs For Violin And Piano, Op. 57: No. 2 "The Silver Tip" (Irish Reel)
Five Irish Melodies For Violin And Piano, Op. 56: No. 2 "The Coulin"
Violin Sonata No. 2 In E Minor, Op. 46: I. Allegro Moderato
Violin Sonata No. 2 In E Minor, Op. 46: II. Andantino
Violin Sonata No. 2 In E Minor, Op. 46: III. Allegro Con Fuoco
Violin Sonata No. 3 In A Major, Op. 67: I. Affettuosamente
Violin Sonata No. 3 In A Major, Op. 67: II. Allegretto Moderato
Violin Sonata No. 3 In A Major, Op. 67: III. Andante Cantabile
Violin Sonata No. 3 In A Major, Op. 67: IV. Allegretto Grazioso
Irish Rhapsody No. 2 For Violin And Piano, Op. 54

UPC: 5028421951027
Label: Brilliant Classics
Release Date: 4.28.15
Format: CD

Carmelo Andriani - Music for Violin & Piano (CD)