PAOLO UGOLETTI (b.1956): Concerto for Soprano Saxophone, Piano and String Orchestra, Concerto for Violin and String Orchestra, Concerto festivo for Bass Trombone and String Orchestra.

Description: These concertos share a rhythmic zest, an engagement with popular and film music and a simple, direct joy of expression. The concerto for saxophone and piano adeptly contrasts the melodic and percussive natures of the solo instruments. Echoes of Irish jigs and reels may be heard in the violin concerto (Ugoletti has written for folk instruments across European cultures, including the uillean pipes), and the Trombone Concerto is dedicated to the godfather of funk, James Brown. The finale of this Concerto festivo paraphrases Brown’s defining anthem, Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag. Gianni Alberti (sax), Jozsef Örmeny (piano), Marko Komonko (violin), Serhiy Katsaval (trombone), Lviv Philharmonic Orchestra; Ferdinando Nazzaro.