SAVERIO MERCADANTE (1795-1870): 10 arie variate for Solo Flute, 20 Capricci for Solo Flute.

Description: The author of one of the most memorable flute concerto themes ever also wrote more than a bit for solo flute. Here are ten opera arias by Rossini (7), Paër, Mozart and Mercandante himself, transcribed for solo flute.  These are not dated but they obviously would have been done when the parent operas were still hot - thus 1812-1828. The Capricci were published in 1820 and, though intended for advanced students, are also of concert quality, pretty evenly divided between slow, lyrical and relaxed, to brilliant and even virtuosic moto perpetuo styles which are closer to the same pieces in the genre by Paganini. Modern flutes - wood for the arias and gold for the Capricci. 2 CDs. Stefano Parrino (flutes).