Alfredo Casella's album "Casella: Sonatina / 9 Pezzi / Szymanowski: Masques" is a captivating journey through the neoclassical genre, released on January 1, 1991, under the Cedille label. This album showcases the remarkable talent of Alfredo Casella, a prominent Italian composer and pianist, known for his contributions to 20th-century classical music.
The album features a diverse collection of pieces, including Casella's Sonatina, Op. 28, which consists of three movements: "Allegro con spirito," "Minuetto," and "Finale." Each movement offers a unique blend of energy, elegance, and technical brilliance, highlighting Casella's mastery of musical form and expression.
Additionally, the album includes the complete set of "9 Pezzi, Op. 24," a series of nine character pieces that explore a wide range of emotions and styles, from the solemn "In Modo Funebre" to the playful "In Modo Burlesco." These pieces demonstrate Casella's versatility and his ability to convey a variety of moods and atmospheres through his music.
Complementing Casella's works are three pieces from Karol Szymanowski's "Maski (Masks), Op. 34," including "Sheherazade," "Tantris le bouffon," and "Serenade de Don Juan." These compositions add a touch of exoticism and theatricality to the album, showcasing Szymanowski's distinctive voice and his influence on early 20th-century music.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 1 minute, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience, perfect for classical music enthusiasts and those looking to explore the neoclassical genre. The combination of Casella's and Szymanowski's works creates a compelling and engaging musical journey that highlights the beauty and diversity of early 20th-century classical music.
