Alessandro Rolla (1757-1841)
Sept petites pièces pour alto seul, BI 316-322

Antonio Rolla (1798-1837)
Six idylles pour alto seul

Federica Cardinali, alto

A fascinating instrument, with a warm and intimate timbre, the viola began relatively late to arouse the interest of composers and musicians. Long the recipient of accompaniment lines within orchestral ensembles, it was only in the classical period that the viola took its first steps in the instrument repertoire for soloist with orchestra as well as for solo instrument. Although some masterpieces still widely performed today stand out (think of Mozart’s famous Sinfonia Concertante), this type of repertoire remains meagre and at times unexplored. The two compositions offered here for the first recording are precisely among these hidden treasures to be rediscovered: the Musica Ridotta BI. 316-322 and the Six Idylls, composed for solo viola respectively by Alessandro Rolla and his son Antonio. Not only do these pieces bring out the melodic and cantabile peculiarities of the instrument, but they also deepen its technical virtuosic aspect. The discographic project thus seeks to restore due consideration to these composers and appreciated violists of European fame at the time, who contributed to the development and emancipation of an instrument of extraordinary beauty.