Martucci- Music for String Quartet / Piano Trios / Piano Quintet

After years of comparative neglect Giuseppe Martucci is taking his rightful place as one of the most important late romantic Italian composers. His style is a happy and individual mix of Wagner and Verdi, dramatic chromatism softened by lyrical, bel canto style melodies. Martucci was a composer, conductor, teacher and excellent pianist, who made extensive European tours as a soloist. His music from his early period is written in sophisticated salon style, charming and picturesque. Later Martucci wrote more substantial works, like the two Piano Trios and Piano Quintet recorded on this 2CD, full blooded romantic music in which the virtuoso pianism is proof of Martuccis great gift as a performer. Excellent performances by Italian forces: pianist Maria Semeraro and the Quartetto Noferini. Extensive liner notes in both English and Italian are included in the booklet.