Search - Gioachino Rossini, Roel Dieltiens, Ensemble Explorations :: Rossini: Une larme; Duo; Serenata; Sonata a quattro

Subtitled "Chamber Music as the Elixir of Life," this record proves that, just as instrumental composers were drawn to the operatic stage, so opera composers were drawn to chamber music. Rossini wrote for various combinations throughout his life, beginning at age 12 with his six "Sonate a quattro" for two violins, cello and bass, and continuing even after he had terminated his wildly successful operatic career. The works recorded here are full of enchanting melodies, theatrical scenes and startling stage effects. In the Sonata No. 3, the violin becomes a coloratura soprano; the cello, liberated by the bass, sings tenor serenades. In the "Duetto," these two low instruments engage in hair-raising virtuoso flights that exploit every technical and tonal resource with amazing inventiveness and high humor. The cello, partnered by the piano, also shines in "Une larme," variations on an appropriately mournful theme that turns into a parody of sentimentality and ends like a typical Rossini opera finale. The elegant, charming "Serenata" for seven instruments, another beautiful set of variations, opens with a slow, dramatic introduction, then gives every instrument a variation written to its greatest strengths. The playing throughout is superb. The string-players' intonation is impeccable despite sparing vibrato; style, ensemble and balance are perfect, and everybody has a great time. --Edith Eisler