`From Dawn to Dusk` - Dall`Alba al Tramonto Alessandro Maffucci

PRESS RELEASE
The Italian Cultural Institute London presents
‘From Dawn to Dusk’ - Dall’Alba al Tramonto
Alessandro Maffucci tenor
Roberto Russo piano
Thursday 3rd May 2007
7 pm
Programme:
R. Schumann
Francesco Paolo Tosti
Michael Stimpson
Alberto Ginastera
Diechterliebe
Due Piccoli Notturni
Dall'Alba al Tramonto
Cinco Canciones Populares Argentinas
As part of their UK tour, respected Italian tenor and piano duo Alessandro Maffucci and
Roberto Russo perform British composer Michael Stimpson’s latest work, a set of songs based
on the poetry of Giovanni Pascoli.
Composer Michael Stimpson had his works previously performed by the English Chamber
Orchestra, the Allegri String Quartet and many other noted musicians, in venues that include the
Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Cadogan Hall.
Dall’Alba Al Tramonto – an introduction by the composer
Giovanni Pascoli (1855-1912) was one of Italy’s best-loved poets. His early life was marked by
tragedy, the murder of his father and early deaths of his mother, sisters and brothers. He studied
at the University of Bologna, graduating in Greek literature in 1882. He went on to succeed his
tutor, Giosuè Carducci, as professor in literature in Bologna. He settled in Barga (Garfagnana)
with his sister Mariù. His patriotism and love of nature are highly influential on his poetry and I
have chosen to set Dall’Alba Al Tramonto (Myricae, 1891) as it encapsulates these most
important features. But alongside these aspects, within this musical setting are the bells of Barga
which were both a stimulus and source of comfort to Pascoli. The three notes (bells), which open
the work, are heard in a variety of forms, rhythms and indeed emotions - and often, when writing
myself within earshot of the bells, I included what I heard at any one moment. Although this
introduced an element of chance, I was intrigued with how often their extraordinary harmonies,
overtones and indeed characters, matched the poetry and the effect that I wanted.
Alessandro Maffucci and Roberto Russo are widely renowned in Italy. Tenor Alessandro
Maffucci came to international recognition in the title role in Othello at the International Festival of
Music of San Gimignano. Together with his extensive performing and recording commitments,
pianist Roberto Russo was also director of one of Italy’s leading music festivals and competitions.
Free admission. RSVP: Tel. 020 73964430 Email: [email protected]
Nearest tube: Hyde Park Corner