Vittorio Giannini

[schweitzeralan]

I recently acquired the Naxos recording of Vittorio Giannini's Piano Concerto and his 4th Symphony.  I find that both works are basically romantic, although the 4th Symphony embraces a somewhat limited modernist tendency.  Judging from my initial listenings plus the two reviews on Amazon, the Concerto was more uncompromising in its late 19th, early 20th century style, whereas the symphony was conceived in a serious, tightly controlled structure that suggests considerable depth.  I discovered Giannini when I was searching for Cresto's Piano Sonata on the Phoenix label with Tatjana Rankovich performing.  Giannini's Sonata was also included.  I was most inpressed by the intensity of Giannini's pianistic work; it was quite intense, very emotional, and its sincerety of expression, not unlike the Symphony with which I'm becoming more familiar, is similar to many works of Barber. I read that Giannini was quite active and involved in the musical world on many levels; yet his compositions were  underplayed in public; and, there were very few recordings until the last several years.  His works were considered too conservative, too romantic during  the mid to late 20the century when "progressive," modernist, or avant garde techniques prevailed. Recommended.

[karlhenning]

By coincidence, I was revisiting his Third Symphony (for band) last night.  We played this in an all-state band when I was in high school, so I listen to it with some fondness.  I think the middle movements stronger musically than the outer pair, but I am certainly keen to listen to more of his music.

[Dundonnell]

I agree wholeheartedly with both of you

[donaldopato]

As for the Piano Concerto/Symphony # 4 disc, I found the symphony a much more rewarding listen than the overtly Rachmaninoff-like concerto. The symphony is much more structured and organic plus has some moving and dramatic sections. The central "Sostenuto e calmo" movement is quite lovely and dramatic; the finale sums the work up nicely.

The concerto: just a lot of note spinning and crashing chords, without Rachmaninoff's underlying darkness and Russian soul.

Definitely a symphony worth exploring.

[Elnimio]

I disagree with the above comment. I find his concerto to be incredibly engaging, and soaring with beautiful melodies. I definitely like it better than any of Rach's concertos, even if he was inspired by them.

[Symphonic Addict]

His Piano Trio is a wonderful piece. Just revisited it and it delighted me quite a bit. The opening melody has a close similarity to that of Brahms's Piano Trio No. 1 in the first movement, so lovely and endearing; in addition, Giannini incorporates some ideas with a touch of elegant, exotic impressionism. The second movement, marked Andante triste, flows gorgeously lyric and heartfelt. The third movement also reminded me of Brahms in some agitated passages, but again, Giannini contrasts them with delicate writing. The ending features some unpredictable ideas that cap the piece off quite satisfyingly.

This great trio is an important addition to the American canon. I don't know any other recording of this memorable trio, but fortunately it's superb. The Piano Quintet on the disc below is in an equally inspired vein.

[kyjo]

His Piano Trio is a wonderful piece. Just revisited it and it delighted me quite a bit. The opening melody has a close similarity to that of Brahms's Piano Trio No. 1 in the first movement, so lovely and endearing; in addition, Giannini incorporates some ideas with a touch of elegant, exotic impressionism. The second movement, marked Andante triste, flows gorgeously lyric and heartfelt. The third movement also reminded me of Brahms in some agitated passages, but again, Giannini contrasts them with delicate writing. The ending features some unpredictable ideas that cap the piece off quite satisfyingly.

This great trio is an important addition to the American canon. I don't know any other recording of this memorable trio, but fortunately it's superb. The Piano Quintet on the disc below is in an equally inspired vein.

Indeed, that disc was somewhat of a revelation to me when I discovered it a few years ago! Both the Piano Trio and Quintet are superb - melodically inspired, passionate late-romantic works with a touch of impressionism. The Naxos CD of his Piano Concerto and Symphony No. 4 is another winner, even if the Rachmaninoffian PC has some dead spots in the overlong first movement. We urgently need more Giannini to be recorded - for starters, there's the Symphonies Nos. 1, 2, and 5, an organ concerto, a string quartet, and quite a bit else...