Tracklist

Rolla, Alessandro
1I. Andante03:22
2II. Minuetto: Allegro03:43
3III. Tema con variazioni10:38
4I. Introduzione: Allegro spiritoso04:17
5II. Variations on a Theme by Paisiello: Andante07:07
6III. Rondo: Allegro04:07
7I. (Allegro)07:06
8II. Largo03:11
9III. Rondo04:10
10I. (Allegro)07:48
11II. Largo non tanto02:51
12III. Rondo04:58

Total Playing Time: 01:03:18

If I had any misgivings about Carbotta’s tone, here they are entirely dispelled. His playing in the present CD is truly excellent, with enjoyable tone, creative phrasing, lovely inflections, generous contrasts in character, good dynamics, and solid technique all around. He is helped by the partners that share the limelight with him: an inspired pianist with the lightest of touches, and strings that never sound harsh (even when they are very high in their register). Intonation is invariably firm, ensemble is tight and natural, and the quality of the recorded sound is very fine. In a word, everything conspires to turn this CD into a real gem.

Such engaged playing is usually reserved for the likes of Beethoven and Haydn. To hear it lavished on less-impressive figures is a blessing. In fact, it is a real pleasure to hear music played with such abandon, alertness, and a willingness completely to match the spirit that guides these compositions: elegance, freedom, cheerfulness, and insouciance. © 2009 Fanfare Read complete review