“For me as an artist, the rediscovery of the repertoire of Italian composers and its dissemination and proliferation in concert programmes is of great importance. I feel deeply attached to the composer’s homeland, Liguria, and an equally deep connection to his works, which provide constant stimulus for the listener’s ears, through a profound exploration of the instrument’s timbres and possibilities. In my opinion, Berio's music is too little performed, both in Italy and abroad, and on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of his death I am honored to have recorded the complete piano works, which I hope will offer music lovers around the world the opportunity to discover the delights of Berio’s music, such as his Sonata for Solo Piano, which has been unjustly neglected in concert halls.” — Matteo Bevilacqua
The piano was a constant presence throughout Berio’s life, from the charming early Petite Suite to the compelling drama of the Piano Sonata, one of his last works. Berio’s profound exploration of this instrument’s timbres and possibilities is further in evidence in the Webern-like concision of Cinque variazioni and the famously virtuoso Sequenza. The obsessiveness of Rounds and the deeply personal Six Encores complete a recording that marks the 20th anniversary of Berio’s death in 2023.
Petite Suite (1947) (00:09:00 )
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1
I. Prélude (00:01:48)
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2
II. Petit Air I (00:01:20)
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3
III. Gavotte (00:02:52)
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4
IV. Petit Air II (00:01:23)
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5
V. Gigue (00:01:36)
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6
6 Encores: Brin (1990) (00:01:58)
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7
6 Encores: Leaf (1990) (00:01:27)
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8
6 Encores: Wasserklavier (1965) (00:02:56)
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9
6 Encores: Erdenklavier (1969) (00:01:25)
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10
6 Encores: Luftklavier (1985) (00:03:29)
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11
6 Encores: Feuerklavier (1989) (00:03:11)
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12
Sequenza IV (1966) (00:12:00)
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13
Canzonetta (1991) (00:00:37)
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14
Touch (1991) (00:01:37)
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15
5 Variazioni (1953) (00:08:34)
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16
Rounds (version for piano) (1965) (00:03:55)
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17
Piano Sonata (2001) (00:23:58)
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“Bevilacqua gives a thrilling and sparkling interpretation…he enables the more dreamy qualities to come to the fore where necessary.” – MusicWeb International