43 Ghiribizzi for Guitar

http://www.renaud-bray.com

http://www.renaud-bray.com

*** Résumé en anglais seulement *** Niccolò Paganini (1782-1840) is perhaps best known for his 24 Caprices for Solo Violin which granted him the fame as the diabolical virtuoso of his age. However, his contribu- tions to the guitar world are equally fascinating, particularly his 43 Ghiribizzi. In the dictionary of the Italian language the word Ghiribizzo is described as follows: “Idea bizzarra, capriccio improvviso” (bizarre idea, capricious improvisation). The artist Giacomo Carletti about the recording: “Bearing this precise and unequivocal definition in mind, in recording the 43 Ghiribizzi for guitar I wanted to bring out the eccentric and eclectic character of the composer. I try to imagine Paganini as a present day rock virtuoso and treat his music accordingly. Every rhythmical variation, every single no- tation has been studied, evaluated and decided in the awareness of wanting to make this integral as realistic as possible to what could have been a performance by Paganini himself. On this album you can hear hilarious tunes alternating, even in the same piece, with thoughtful, profound parts. Although there is no evidence of concerts held by the Italian maestro with the guitar, it is well known that Paganini studied and knew how to play the guitar with great mastery.” Giacomo Carletti plays in a wide variety of genres and styles, alternating performances in rock and pop bands with classical guitar solo and chamber concerts.