Paolo Cognetti wrote this arrangement of ‘Bella Ciao’ for the Ukrainian pianist GéNIA, titled ‘To Genia – Peace in Ukraine’. ‘Bella Ciao’ is an original Italian folk song which became the anthem of the resistance movement by the partisans who opposed Nazi-fascism during their fight against the occupying forces of the Nazis. Devastated by the current war in Ukraine, the composer wanted to express his solidarity with Ukrainian people.
Whereas the original Italian song is epic and energetic, this version is sad and melancholic, finishing in a hopeful way (the original minor key changes to major at the end).
GéNIA added her touch to the interpretation. She recorded and produced this track.
Released on GéNIA’s label, GéNIA MUSIC, the composer and performer agreed that ALL the proceeds from the recording will be sent to Ukraine to help Ukrainian people. Glory to Ukraine!

Bella Ciao

Bella Ciao performed by GéNIA arranged by Paolo Cognetti

Leonardo Pastore, tenor
Helen Glaisher-Hernández, piano

Live recording from a concert at La Scala de San Telmo in Buenos Aires on 2 June 2017

Aires De Lima (Traditional Canarian Folk Song)

Limbo (Shuzhen's In Limbo Remix)

GéNIA came to the Jo Good show to promote her fundraising concert for Kharkiv children, which she was organising at The Other Palace in London.

GéNIA interview with Jo Good September 2022 BBC Radio London

My single, ‘Evocations’ is the first track from my forthcoming album, ‘Exhale’. As our society is going through such turbulent times, especially towards the end of what looks like a very difficult year for the whole world, I would like to offer my audience some moments of calm, relaxation, repose and reflection. 

Being the founder of Piano-Yoga®, an holistic method of piano playing, performing and teaching,  I will be accompanying the album with a series of breathing techniques and yoga postures, to offer people the opportunity to experience this music in a different way.

Released especially for the holiday season, I am hoping that my audience will be able to take some time away from their busy schedules for themselves, including attending to their physical, psychological and mental well-being, which will enable them to look inwards to re-examine their lives. And, if my music can offer this special support, I will be more than happy to contribute to society in such a way.

Evocations

Evocations - GéNIA

GéNIA’s single ‘Prana’ is the second track from her forthcoming album, ‘Exhale’. ‘Prana’ in Sanskrit means ‘breath’.

As our society is going through such turbulent times, with ‘Prana’, GéNIA would like to offer her audience some moments of calm, relaxation, repose and reflection. 

Drawing on her skills as a composer, pianist & yoga teacher, the rhythm of the track is created to match an equal breathing technique, known as Sama Vritti in Sanskrit, which focuses on making each in & out breath the same length. By making one’s breath smooth and steady, one can help to bring balance into one’s life.

Being the founder of Piano-Yoga® (an innovative holistic method of piano playing), GéNIA will accompany the album with a series of breathing techniques and yoga postures, which will be released separately, to offer people the opportunity to experience this music in a different way. A series of live events has been organised to take place in 2024.

Starting from October 2023, the release of each track of the ‘Exhale’ album will take place on the first Friday of the month, culminating in the release of the whole album.

The cover image for the album is based on the original painting of the renowned Spanish painter Mariola Naranjo, who kindly gave permission to use it for this album. 

The composition was recorded and produced by GéNIA on her Steinway grand piano. Mastering was done by Cicely Balston at AIR Studios, London.

GéNIA - Prana

Prana

Composition ‘Memoriam’ draws inspiration from cherished memories of the past, weaving together a tapestry of bittersweet emotions. It reflects on experiences of love and captures the essence of moments that linger in the heart, creating a poignant and nostalgic atmosphere.

Memoriam

Memoriam -  GéNIA

GéNIA talks to Jo Good on BBC London Radio 94.9 about her concerts at Heathrow Caffè Nero and her latest EP 'Dreams of Today, Thoughts of Tomorrow Vol.2'

GéNIA Interview BBC London Radio 131214

This was recorded by the member of the audience on an old style cassette and sent to me some time later. This was recorded in the Ukraine with the Ukrainian Orchestra in 2000. I forgot about this recording until now, when I discovered it while looking for some Rachmaninoff's recordings of mine.

GéNIA performs Rachmaninov 'Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini'

GéNIA, piano, performs with Cyprus State Orchestra. Conductor Roland Melia, live recording. Produced by Adam Skeaping.

Mozart Concerto No 21 3d movement

Autumn Blues composed and performed by GéNIA

Website of a composer, pianist and founder of Piano-Yoga®, GéNIA.

Autumn Blues composed and performed by GéNIA

GéNIA MUSIC

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