Chance, Misson, Sculthorpe, Dean: A Listening Air
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Da Vinci Classics
Physical and Digital Release: 24 November 2017
Original music at the meeting point of classical strings, jazz and contemporary musical languages. Cesare Carretta and Aldo Capicchioni, violins; Aldo Zangheri, viola; Enrico Guerzoni, cello.
Enrico Guerzoni: String Quartets
The Modern String Quartet
13.67€
Digital programme · 8 tracks
Track timings refer to the digital edition.
The Modern String Quartet brings together string players interested in exploring the sounds and musical languages of the contemporary world. Its musicians share a desire to connect different genres and styles, sometimes using electronics and effects as an integral part of creating new sounds.
Its members have worked for years with quartets including Arké, Kuasar, String Island and Eos, contributing their own creative and performing experience. Their shared interests brought them together to explore new forms of expression within the centuries-old tradition of the string quartet.
Alongside original compositions, their collaborations range from music of different cultural traditions to jazz, progressive rock and contemporary classical music. Improvisation adds another dimension of creativity and expands the possibilities of the ensemble. On String Quartets, the players are Cesare Carretta and Aldo Capicchioni, violins; Aldo Zangheri, viola; and Enrico Guerzoni, cello.
Enrico Guerzoni is a cellist, composer and arranger. He graduated in cello at the Bologna Conservatory, subsequently completing a first-level degree in Multimedia Music in Bologna and a second-level degree in Applied Music in Ferrara.
He has performed in Italy and abroad as principal cellist and section leader with ensembles including I Solisti Veneti, I Virtuosi Italiani, I Filarmonici del Teatro Comunale di Bologna, the Orchestra Regionale delle Marche, the Toscanini Philharmonic, the Dubai Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orchestra Sinfonica Siciliana, the Orchestra Filarmonica Italiana, the Orchestra Filarmonia Veneta, the Orchestra Città di Ferrara and the Tiroler Festspiele orchestra. Having won an international audition for a cello position at the Teatro Comunale di Bologna, he worked with the theatre from 1988 to 2002.
He founded the acoustic and electric string quartet Arké, Kuasar String Kuartet and The Modern String Quartet. His recordings have appeared on Sony, Universal, Dynamic, BMG, Edel, Decca, PolyGram, Philips and Pressing. In 2015 the duo GuerzonCellos, formed with his son, released an album ranging from classical music to jazz and rock for two cellos.
His classical collaborations include Riccardo Muti, Luciano Pavarotti, Giuseppe Sinopoli, Christian Thielemann, Riccardo Chailly, Zoltán Peskó, Luciano Berio, Gary Bertini, José Cura, the Tourte Ensemble and Harmonico Concento. He also worked with Salvatore Sciarrino at the composition course in Città di Castello.
Alongside his classical work, he is active in jazz, pop and music across genres, collaborating on artistic projects with Bobby McFerrin, Paolo Fresu, Roberto Gatto, Michael Nyman, Andrea Bocelli, Zucchero Fornaciari, Eros Ramazzotti, Franco Battiato, Lucio Dalla and Gianni Morandi.
String Quartets Text by Enrico Guerzoni; English revised. These quartets grew out of years of working with string ensembles across different musical genres, from classical music to jazz, pop and music from diverse traditions. Although written for instruments conventionally described as classical, the compositions belong to the modern world, bringing together several contemporary styles and drawing on different musical and geographical cultures. Some of the pieces can also serve an educational purpose in conservatories, music institutes and schools, introducing players to less familiar ways of using string instruments that are…
Text by Enrico Guerzoni; English revised.
These quartets grew out of years of working with string ensembles across different musical genres, from classical music to jazz, pop and music from diverse traditions. Although written for instruments conventionally described as classical, the compositions belong to the modern world, bringing together several contemporary styles and drawing on different musical and geographical cultures.
Some of the pieces can also serve an educational purpose in conservatories, music institutes and schools, introducing players to less familiar ways of using string instruments that are becoming increasingly common in performance.
“There is no denying that we live in a difficult time, not only economically, but also—perhaps especially—for culture and creativity. That is why I welcomed this worthwhile publishing initiative with great joy, indeed with real happiness. I firmly believe that a way forward begins with a determined and rigorous exploration of the ridges that have traditionally separated high culture from popular culture. Enrico Guerzoni has always frequented these places: difficult terrain, yet scattered with incomparable treasures. To see the results of his dedication published by such a prestigious publisher offers great hope for the future of good Italian music.”
“Enrico Guerzoni’s compositions for string quartet maintain a thoughtful balance between melody and passion: a Mediterranean melodic sensibility and a passion for the quartet, where individual voices reveal the overall sound and personality of the ensemble. At a time when original commissions can seem a distant ideal in our country, Guerzoni’s writing is an encouraging achievement to welcome and support.”
I dedicate this music to my parents, Bianca and Norberto. My heartfelt thanks to Cesare Carretta, Aldo Capicchioni and Aldo Zangheri, whose artistry, friendship and valuable suggestions helped me through the most delicate moments of the recording. Thanks to Marta, Noemi, Rita and Tiziano for their support and for providing inspiration during the composition and realisation of a project that is particularly close to my heart.
I also thank my friend, sound engineer Gianluca Gadda, for his important contribution to the mastering. Finally, I would like to thank Paolo Fresu and Gabriele Mirabassi, who honoured my work by listening to these compositions and sharing their thoughts.
The Modern String Quartet: Cesare Carretta and Aldo Capicchioni, violins; Aldo Zangheri, viola; Enrico Guerzoni, cello. La sottile realtà, Plenilunium, Come Away with Me and False relazioni: Carisch. Baroque Tango and Ballata nella notte: Ava Musical Edition. Trama and Il dono della profezia: Da Vinci Edition.
La sottile realtà and Plenilunium: February 2012, Mazzacorati Studio, Bologna, Italy; engineer Eugenio Bonetti.
Come Away with Me and False relazioni: July 2012, Audioline Studio, Casalecchio di Reno, Italy; engineers Filippo Zecchini and Angie Passarella.
Baroque Tango and Ballata nella notte: October 2013, Red Pill recording studio, Bologna; engineer Gianluca Gadda.
Il dono della profezia and Trama: November 2014, Red Pill recording studio, Bologna; engineer Gianluca Gadda.
Mixing and mastering: Enrico Guerzoni and Gianluca Gadda.
Album texts: Enrico Guerzoni, Gabriele Mirabassi and Paolo Fresu.
Artwork: Marta Barbiani.
Production, design and art direction: OMK-Da Vinci.
Printed with the support of S.P.L.M.
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