Rare Thalberg transcription from Bellini I Puritani

[ronde_des_sylphes]

The first of his op.70 set of transcriptions from opera and song, L'art du chant applique au piano, an important collection, and woefully under-represented on disc. Here's a concert recording from a few years back (I did in fact later record this particular one in studio). I've cleaned up the audio and put the sheet music in the video. The aria is 'A te, o cara', from I Puritani.

[robertus]

A very beautiful performance- although each part of the piece seems relatively straightforward and even conventional on its own, the cumulative effect is quite emotionally touching.

Would the whole set make a good recital program or recording?

[ronde_des_sylphes]

Thanks!

I would hesitate to play more than extracts on a programme, for a variety of reasons. Firstly, there are 24 pieces in total, so it's too long! Secondly, I don't think there is enough variety within the set. Thirdly, the source material is a bit uneven. I play two Bellini items from the set, this and Casta diva, both of which I think are *really* successful arrangements, and while there are definitely some other gems in the collection, some are a little nondescript, imo at least. The full collection has been recorded a few (three?) times and if you're looking to find one on eg Spotify, I can warmly recommend the recording by Paul Wee.