Giovanni Bottesini: Opere per Contrabbasso e Pianoforte, vol. II

Approfondimenti

Following four years after his premiere album on the Concerto label, double bassist Francesco Siragusa and pianist Roberto Paruzzo return for another installment of the considerable body of compositions for double bass and piano by Giovanni Bottesini. As in the previous volume, this disc's program focuses both on Bottesini's unique ability to vary themes by predominant Italian artists of the time (in this case, Donizetti, Bellini, and Paisiello), as well as innovating his own melodies perfectly suited for the range and sonority of his instrument. Siragusa is a master of balance in that his interpretations of Bottesini's works are either neither too serious or self-important, nor too trite and cheeky; both of these extremes have plagued countless other recordings of the same works. Rather, Siragusa presents the pieces for what they are: impeccably crafted works that uniquely showcase the often misunderstood and underappreciated capabilities of the double bass. Siragusa's more than ample technique finds him darting around his enormous fingerboard with apparent ease, virtually flawless intonation, and seamlessly connected lines. His tone across the range of his bass is clear and focused while maintaining the warmth and richness that characterize the bass. He plays with an abundance of power, easily being heard over Paruzzo's sensitively offered piano accompaniment; there are actually a few instances where Siragusa seems to put forth more sound than the microphones can handle, but these are rare and do not significantly detract from this brilliantly performed album.
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