"Musa Italiana" is a captivating classical album released by the renowned Filarmonica della Scala, conducted by the esteemed Riccardo Chailly. This album, released on May 20, 2022, under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, is a celebration of the Italian influence on three prominent Austro-German composers: Felix Mendelssohn, Franz Schubert, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
The album features nine tracks, spanning a total duration of one hour and four minutes. It opens with Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90, also known as the "Italian," edited by John Michael Cooper. This symphony is a vibrant and lively exploration of Italian musical styles, showcasing Mendelssohn's mastery of orchestration and melody.
Following the Mendelssohn symphony, the album presents two overtures by Franz Schubert: "Overture in the Italian Style in D Major, D. 590" and "Overture in the Italian Style in C Major, D. 591." These overtures are charming and spirited, reflecting Schubert's admiration for Italian music.
The album concludes with three overtures by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: "Mitridate, rè di Ponto, K. 87/74a: Overture," "Ascanio in Alba, K. 111: Overture," and "Lucio Silla, K. 135: Overture." These overtures are lively and dramatic, showcasing Mozart's genius and his ability to capture the essence of Italian opera.
"Musa Italiana" is a testament to the enduring influence of Italian music on European classical composers. The Filarmonica della Scala, under the direction of Riccardo Chailly, delivers a performance that is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. This album is a must-listen for classical music enthusiasts and anyone interested in the rich history of European music.
