Paganini: Music for Guitar and Viola

Luigi Attademo (guitar) & Simone Gramaglia (viola)

Paganini: Sonata Concertata, Op. 61 for guitar and violin
Paganini: Sonata for gran viola & orchestra in C minor, MS 70
Paganini: Sonatas (6) for violin and guitar, Op. 2

Although Paganini is mainly regarded as a super virtuoso on the violin (achieving a pop star status in his time) and composer for his instrument of concertos of the highest difficulties, he composed a substantial oeuvre of chamber music for a diversity of unusual instruments. This CD presents a selection of works composed for the viola (the chaste sister of the sexy violin) and the guitar, a serious classical instrument in his time. These are wonderful intimate and deliciously melodic works, full of charm and Italian sunshine.

Excellent performances by violist Simone Gramaglia, a seasoned soloist and violist of the famous Quartetto di Cremona, and guitarist Luigi Attademo, who already recorded extensively for Brilliant Classics, to great critical acclaim, notably the complete solo guitar works by Paganini (BC94348), “one of the best performances I’ve ever heard” (Guitar Foundation).