Rossini: Complete Piano Music Volume 4 (2CD)

During his last decade, Rossini wrote a series of 13 volumes he called Sins of Old Age, of which volume 8 is subtitled Album de château. It contains 12 pieces, each richly characterised. Many are fuelled by an operatic sense of vitality, and we also find dances, fugal writing, and a nightmarish dream episode of great intensity. The five pieces from volume 9 offer equal pleasures – a Christmas Carol, self-quotations from his operas, and a skittish black note joke, all served up with his inimitable gift for melody and enjoyment. ‘Marangoni has a beautiful legato touch, and a keen sense of phrasing.’ (American Record Guide, on Vol. 1: 8570590-91)