An important figure in the history of Romantic guitar music, Giulio Regondi was widely admired during his lifetime but unfairly neglected and forgotten for decades after his death. Most of the poetic, captivating works recorded here were rediscovered in the late 20th century and edited by eminent guitar scholar Simon Wynberg (who is also the author of the booklet notes for this release).

Regondi’s early life is shrouded in mystery: his birthplace (probably Geneva, but maybe Genoa or Lyons) and parentage are uncertain. His father (or possibly stepfather or foster father), who was himself an accomplished guitarist and composer, tirelessly cultivated and showcased the young Regondi’s musical talent, presenting him as a child prodigy of the guitar at concerts all over Europe. Regondi went on to become a much-fêted guitarist and composer, touring with other renowned musicians including Clara Schumann, and writing virtuosic and beautifully lyrical works for the guitar. He was also one of the few 19th-century guitarists to excel on another instrument – the concertina, which was a new invention at the time. This disc brings together Regondi’s complete works for solo guitar, including the world premiere recording of Feuille d’album, which was only discovered in 2010 and which Alberto Mesirca describes as a ‘wonderful piece’.

Young guitarist Alberto Mesirca has won a Golden Guitar award three times (in 2007, 2009 and 2013) and has been hailed by Classical Guitar Magazine as ‘prodigiously talented’.