Giorgio Federico Ghedini (11 July 1892 – 25 March 1965) was an Italian composer, he is now increasingly recognized as one of the finest Italian composers of the 20th century. 19th Century music in Italy was dominated by Opera and by the great composers such as Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini. But at the end of the Century, a new generation of young composers tried to reignite old traditions of composing instrumental music of a noble, traditionalist character. These composers are referred to as the “Eighties Generation” and include, amongst others, Respighi, Busoni, Pizzetti, and Malipiero. Giorgio Federico Ghedini, who was a little younger (born in 1892), undertook the same direction although he also attempted writing Opera, and successfully so. His early works were characterized by a learned eclecticism, nourished by a rigorous study of other periods’ works, and by his unappeasable curiosity.

Now the first complete recording of Giorgio Federico Ghedini’s works for violin and piano have been made on Naxos! These wonderful compositions—largely unknown—were written from 1918 to 1934.

Ghedini’s oeuvre for violin and piano works include a “young” A major Sonata (1918)—fresh and brilliant—, a more dramatic and Brahms-like E-flat major Sonata (1922) that ends with a strong Passacaglia, plus three amazing pieces: Two Poems (published in 1932) and the charming Bizzarria (1934).

This stunning programme was recorded by the Italian duo Bianchi- Bernecoli. Pianist and composer Massimo Giuseppe Bianchi has already recorded Ghedini’s complete piano works (Naxos 8.572329 and 8.572330) to great critical acclaim. Emy Bernecoli is a young virtuoso violinist making her recording debut with this album.

The sessions took place at Varallo Sesia’s Teatro Civico. With their usual scrupulous preparation the sessions went smoothly, and the project was completed in a few intense days. “The recording seems to capture a great spontaneity”, says the two artists. “We wish to thank our sound engineer Francesco Ciarfuglia and the impeccable piano tuner, Davide Lupattelli for their help and for our great moments together!” Bianchi adds: “We are also very grateful and proud to have the great piano brand Fazioli as a sponsor of our recording. All great music—and Ghedini is truly great—calls for a great instrument in order to reveal and express all the infinite colours and concealed meanings in the music. The Fazioli grand is absolutely an ideal instrument for this purpose! Finally, we also wish to thank Fondazione Bpn – Novara, and President Dr. Franco Zanetta, for their invaluable support.”

“This is a repertoire that we love to perform. We truly believe this recording will be a happy discovery for all true music fans everywhere, and also a step towards better knowledge of Italian music treasures” – the duo concludes.

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