ALFREDO PIATTI (1822-1901): Operatic Fantasies, Vol. 2 - Introduction et Variations sure un thème de Lucia di Lammermoor, Op. 2, Rondò sulla Favorita*, Souvenir de l’opéra Linda di Chamounix, Op. 13, Parafrasi sulla Barcarola del Marino Faliero*, Rimembranze del Trovatore, Op. 21, Capriccio sur des Airs de Balfe*. * - First Recordings.

Description: These recordings stem from manuscripts and long-lost editions generously made available by the Piatti archive in Bergamo. Irresistible in their own right for their eloquence and wizardry these fantasies, through Piatti’s carefully annotated expressive articulations, decorations and fingerings, also offer the listener a fascinating insight into bel canto performance practice from a cellist who had been accompanying singers like Giuditta Pasta, Grisi, Rubini, Lablache, Tamburini, Jenny Lind and Michael Balfe from the tender age of eight through to his time as principal cello at the Royal Opera, Covent Garden Adrian Bradbury (cello), Oliver Davies (piano).