Overview of Silvio Omizzolo and "War Silence – Rare Italian Piano Concertos"
Silvio Omizzolo (1905–1991) was an Italian composer whose music is featured on the album War Silence – Rare Italian Piano Concertos. This recording showcases rarely heard works for piano and orchestra by Italian composers, spotlighting Omizzolo’s Concerto per pianoforte e orchestra (Piano Concerto, 1959-60), performed by pianist Roberto Prosseda with the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Nir Kabaretti.
About Omizzolo’s Piano Concerto
Omizzolo’s Piano Concerto, written in 1959-60, is characterized by its journey through early twentieth-century musical language. Unlike more radical contemporaries, Omizzolo avoided extreme experimentation, instead demonstrating confidence in traditional forms and the expressive potential of music. His concerto, especially in its final, pressing Allegro movement, offers performers “sound horizons of evident satisfaction and brilliance of performance,” according to the liner notes by Sandro Cappelletto. The work reflects Omizzolo’s awareness of the history and circumstances of his time, creating an emotional and architectural musical experience that had, until this recording, faded into obscurity. Notably, Omizzolo's concerto received third prize at the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition in Brussels in 1969, making it noteworthy as the only Italian opera (work) chosen from among two hundred competitors.
"War Silence – Rare Italian Piano Concertos": The Album
The album War Silence – Rare Italian Piano Concertos features four little-known Italian piano concertos by Guido Alberto Fano, Luigi Dallapiccola, Silvio Omizzolo, and Cristian Carrara. This collection was proposed by pianist Roberto Prosseda and is notable for highlighting Italy’s less recognized but richly expressive contributions to the piano concerto genre. While Italianate lyricism permeates the selections, the concertos differ widely in style and background.
Critical Reception and Importance
Roberto Prosseda's interpretation of Omizzolo's works superbly mirrors the author’s sensitivity, enriching the audience with a unique and transformative musical experience. The vibrancy of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, under the guidance of Nir Kabaretti, supplements Prosseda’s performance to paint a truly mesmerizing auditory landscape. Immerse yourself in the stirring world of Silvio Omizzolo's compositions and experience the captivating 'War Silence - Rare Italian Piano Concertos' that honours the melancholia of war times and the boundless beauty of music. Lose yourself in the whirlwind of emotions and make a date with history with this commendable compilation.