Concertina String Quartet 05-04-25

2025
Nicolò Biemmi, basson
Giulia Contaldo, piano

Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco - Sonatina for bassoon and piano, Op. 130 - I. Allegretto

Short Demo Reel, giving an overview on what I've been working on lately.

We Know

Francesco Cilea’s opera Adriana Lecouvreur, with a libretto by Arturo Colautti, was composed between 1899 and 1902, drawing from the eponymous drama by Eugène Scribe and Ernest Legouvé. The work recounts the life of the historical figure Adrienne Lecouvreur, a Comédie-Française actress, and her rumored poisoning, linked to her affair with the Count of Saxony, betrothed to the Princess of Bouillon, her suspected murderer. Commissioned by Sonzogno, the opera premiered on November 6, 1902, at Milan’s Teatro Lirico, achieving resounding success and cementing Cilea’s status as a leading figure in Italian Verismo.
The opera’s intermezzo weaves themes from its four acts, adhering to classical opera conventions. Its orchestration is deliberately sparse, typically using strings and select woodwinds, offering performers and audiences a brief respite. In this wind ensemble adaptation, the intermezzo transcends its operatic origins, reimagined as a standalone symphonic work. The enriched instrumentation emphasizes contrapuntal interplay, highlighting individual voices within the wind orchestra. This transcription showcases the ensemble’s potential, challenging the historical undervaluation of such groups. By revitalizing this rarely performed opera, the arrangement promotes a renewed appreciation of its legacy.

Intermezzo from F. Cilea Opera "Adriana Lecouvreur" (for Symphonic Band)

This "Chaconne Paysanne" from "Dance Suite no.2", draws inspiration from the traditional chaconne form while incorporating elements evocative of rural life. Built around a recurring rhythmic motif, the piece explores a range of harmonic and melodic variations that alternately reflect the discipline of agricultural work and the vitality of popular folk dances.

The composition stands out for its balance between the classical structure inherited from the Baroque era and a more direct, intentionally uncluttered writing style that highlights the simplicity and authenticity of the sonorities. This approach creates an atmosphere that is both solid and lively, remaining faithful to the spirit of the rural traditions that inspired the work. 
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Cette "Chaconne Paysanne" issu de la "Suite de Danse no.2" pour piano, composée par Pierre Fontaine, s’inspire de la forme traditionnelle de la chaconne tout en y intégrant des éléments évocateurs du monde rural. Basée sur un motif rythmique répété, la pièce explore différentes variations harmoniques et mélodiques qui traduisent tour à tour la rigueur du travail de la terre et la vitalité des danses populaires.

La composition se distingue par son équilibre entre la structure classique héritée du baroque et une écriture plus moderne, volontairement dépouillée, qui met en valeur la simplicité et l’authenticité des sonorités. Cette approche permet de créer une atmosphère à la fois solide et vivante, fidèle à l’esprit des traditions paysannes qui ont inspiré l’œuvre.


Recorded: July 23rd, 2025
Composer & Pianist: Pierre Fontaine
Dedicated to Stéphane Delplace.

Score available for purchase on pierrefontaine.composer@gmail.com

Sound Mixing : Thérence Guillerme (https://www.therenceguillerme.fr/)

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Chaconne Paysanne - Piano Solo

Bach - Orchestral Suite No. 3, Air

Eyes on Me

Gerson in Minor Key

Gerson in Minor Key No 7

In love with Johann: Imagine music could tell stories... This improvisation on Johann Sebastian Bach's Prelude opens up like an intimate conversation with his wife

In love with Johann

Undiscovered Debussy

Debussy Violin Sonata No 2 - Movt 3

This piece merges the formal structure of a classic rag with the melodic language of the Baroque era. The familiar, jaunty rhythm of ragtime is cast in a new light, used to explore a deeper, more wistful sadness not typically found in the genre. It's the soundtrack for a gray afternoon at the carnival.


Gerson in Minor Key No 7

INDRAGERSN

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