Discography
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Date: 2013
Gianluca Littera Harmonica & Orchestra

Alan Hovhaness was a Bostonian composer (1911-2000). His music was strongly influenced by his Armenian..
His composition Seven Greek folk dances is composed of seven Greek dances, some of which bear the names of ancient dances of the Region like: Hassapiko, Sousta, Karagouna...or titles also from the Mediterranean world: Sweet Basil Green, Pastoral.
Another original composition is the Concertino for Harmonica Strings and Percussion by Vilem Tausky (1910- 2004). A composer of Moravian origins, he was a famous conductor of the BBC Orchestra in London for 10 years. In his compositions inspired melodies resound that are typical of his homeland and always full of great lyricism.
The last piece is the Concertino Scherzoso by Graham Whettam (1927-2007). I am particularly pleased with this proposal, because it is the fruit of my exciting research to find the score and the orchestral material. I knew of their existence but it seemed impossible to find the material.
I find very interesting the way this composer treats the instrument.
His Jewish origins and the nostalgia of his music are evident in the lyrical abandon of the second movement but his rhythmic, almost percussive use of both the orchestra and the soloist are very engaging, as one can hear in the first and third movements.
I wrote before about the difficulty in finding material referring to the Harmonica, something that often happens with this instrument that many know, but few know in its real capacities and fascination in sound. With this recording, I hope to be able to reveal them.

 

 

 

Good listening.
Gianluca Littera

Preview song
1
WHETTAM Graham - Concert for Harmonica & Orcestra I°mov.
2
WHETTAM Graham - Concert for Harmonica & Orchestra II° mov.
3
WHETTAM Graham - Concert for Harmonica & Orchestra III° mov.
4
FAURE' Gabriel - Pavane op 50 (arr.Littera)
5
HOVHANESS Alan - Seven Greek Folk Dances Hassapiko
6
HOVHANESS Alan - Seven Greek Folk Dances Hassapiko The Selybrian syrtos
7
PIAZZOLLA Astor - Oblivion (arr. Littera)
8
TAUSKY Vilem- Concertino for Harmonica & Orchestra III° mov

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