Search - Ito, Picchi, Rimsky-Korsakov :: Hollywood Guitar Duo

MENU: Beauty, energy, diversity, and listening enjoyment were always present in my mind when I chose the music for "Listen to This!!" Give the audience what they want: exquisite melodies, exciting virtuosity, and a unique performance experience. I present a multinational buffet for the ears to feast upon with musical cuisine from Great Britain, France, Italy, Russia, Japan, and Mexico. I hope this recording communicates the fun and enjoyment that I experienced while making it. PRELUDE: We start our tour with one of the best compositions written for the euphonium by the prolific British composer, Philip Sparke. In 1986 he composed Pantomime as a token of friendship for the Welsh euphonium viruoso Nicholas Childs. After treating the listener to a captivating melody, the work turns fast and rhythmic, and ends with a showcase of the euphonium's range and technical capabilities. APPETIZER: Moving to Russia, we partake of one of the most memorable and haunting melodies from the pen of Sergi Rachmaninov. His Vocalise stands as a famous work along with his Piano Concerto No. 2and his Variations on a Theme by Paganini. The lush harmonics and melodies colminate in this most appealing compositon that conveys his longing to return to his homeland. Entree: Born in Russia but composing French music,Vladimir Cosma brings a hot Spanish flame to this recording with his Euphonium Concerto. Commissioned for the 1997 World Euphonium Competition held in Guebwiller, France, this work is written in three movements in a fast-slow-fast format (Allegro assai, Andantino, Finale-Giocoso).