cosa rara
The music room
This corner is dedicated to pieces of music that are rarely performed and yet do not really deserve to be forgotten.
Frederick Delius – La Calinda
The single most famous musical passage from Delius’ third opera “Koanga” contains the melody known as La Calinda, which is the only part of the score that has remained famous in the concert hall.
Vasily Kalinnikov – Symphony n.1
Kalinnikov has not been one of the most prolific composers in history but his first symphony, also conducted by Toscanini during a special broadcast with the NBC Symphony Orchestra, is to this day part of the standard Russian repertoire.
Havergal Brian – Symphony n.1 “Gothic”
Brian’s Gothic Symphony is one of the biggest works ever written for the concert stage: 1 hour and 40 minutes, employing almost 800 musicians.
Amy Beach – Symphony in E-minor, Op.32 “Gaelic”
A remarkable child prodigy, Amy Beach was the first female composer to have a symphony performed by a major orchestra: the “Gaelic” Symphony was premiered by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1896.
Lili Boulanger: D’un matin de printemps
Lili Boulanger’s “D’un matin de printemps” is a skillfully crafted tone poem, rich of impressionist colors and morning scents.
Julius Röntgen: piano concerto n.2
Admired by many great composers, such as Brahms and Grieg, Röntgen’s music was quickly dismissed and went almost completely forgotten.
Giuseppe Verdi: Adagio for trumpet and orchestra
A wonderful piece and rare “Adagio” for trumpet and orchestra by Giuseppe Verdi.
