Viozzi: Complete Music For Solo Guitar

Andrea Gallo (guitar)

Born in Trieste, in the popular district of San Giacomo, Giulio Viozzi (1912-1984) studied music under Antonio Illersberg. In 1931 he obtained a diploma in piano, following an advanced course with Angelo Kessissoglu. In 1936, he won the Rassegna Nazionale Giovani Concertisti in Rome, before embarking briefly on a concert career. He graduated in composition in 1937. From then on he concentrated on composing and teaching a new generation of Italian composers.

Viozzi's musical language can be placed halfway in the twentieth century, inspired by Leoš Janáček, Sergei Prokofiev, Maurice Ravel, Igor Stravinsky and the suggestions of popular music, often of Balkan origin, with a rhythmic sense that in some cases recalls that of Béla Bartók; His works are full of easily flowing melodies in impressionistic vein and mellow, colorful harmonies.

This new recording presents Viozzi’s complete music for solo guitar: a substantial Sonata, a Suite and several concert pieces.

Played by young Italian guitarist Andrea Gallo, a pupil of Enea Leone, Andrea Dieci and Bruno Giuffredi and winner of several (inter)national guitar competitions.