Music of Giuliani
OnMusic of Giuliani, David Russell, one of the great guitarists of the late 20th century, plays a selection of solo works by one of the great guitarists of the early 19th century. Mauro Giuliani (1781-1829) was deeply involved in many aspects of music throughout his life. He played cello in the premiere of Beethoven's Seventh Symphony, gave lessons to Napoleon's wife, and popularized a method of guitar notation that is still used today. But he is remembered today for his compositions for guitar. Russell plays five of Giuliani's solo pieces with his usual blend of intelligence and musicality. He never lets his formidable technique overpower the music. OnRossinianaNo. 1, part of a fantasy based on arias from Rossini's operas, Russell plays with a lyricism that is deeply emotional without being histrionic. Russell has a rare gift: he is able to make a guitar sing.--Michael Simmons