Franco Margola (1908-1992) has his musical roots in the 19th century, in particular in the cultural movement which was predominantly interested in instrumental music, as opposed to the opera. Franco’s musical language is classicist, with clear formal structures and a leading role for the melody. Following the success of the piano Kinderkonzert, which was played by the legendary Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, Franco Margola composed, after almost thirty years, to two similar works for the violin: the Kinderkonzert no. 2 for violin and orchestra and the Concerto dell'alba for violin and string orchestra, works of intimate charm, fluidity and cantabile. Also included are the Variazioni sopra un tema giocoso for string orchestra, a Sonata for violin and Piano and the highly attractive Double Concerto for Violin, Piano and String Orchestra.
Beautifully played by Davide Alogna, one of Italy’s best known violinists. Alogna was soloist with conductors like Riccardo Muti, Eliahu Inbal, and Zubin Mehta. The pianist is Costantino Catena, a strong advocate of Italian piano music, particularly by Ermanno Wolf Ferrari. They are accompanied by the excellent Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano, conducted by Pietro Borgonovo.
