Clarinetist Sergio Bosi and pianist Riccardo Bartoli share on this disc a collection of Italian works by unfamiliar composers born in the late 19th century, most of whom flourished into the 1960s and 70s. The pieces, which date from the first half of the 20th century, are generally brief, including many lasting less than four minutes. All of the selections on this disc, with the exception of Agostino Gabucci’s Aria and Scherzo, are world-première recordings.

Bonnard’s three pieces that open the album are the highlight of the disc. Valzer da concerto captured my attention immediately with its improvisatory opening followed by an attractive motive characterized by a rising and gradually falling gesture. The motive is thoroughly developed, and the performers do a magnificent job in shaping and elongating the phrases. The performance possesses a spontaneity that I love. Notturno follows with a gorgeous melody in the chalumeau register before it blossoms in the clarion register. Mr. Bosi demonstrates incredible acrobatic agility with his smooth execution of the wide intervals in the middle section. The Rondi, is upbeat and playful, and the duo brilliantly executes its fast passagework. In a few spots, I could have used more depth in Mr. Bosi’s tone in the high register to match his beautiful tone quality.

Leonardo De Lorenzo’s bright Saltarello and Gilfredo Cattolica’s dramatic Duo are equally delightful. Messrs. Bosi and Bartoli demonstrate their expertise as collaborators by the effortless manner in which they pass off De Lorenzo’s bubbly phrases and Cattolica’s longer lines. I enjoy the contrasting characters that Bosi and Bartoli achieve in Duo - especially the dreaminess of the piano interlude juxtaposed with the bold opening theme in the clarinet.

Bosi and Bartoli have no doubt produced an enjoyable album…clarinet enthusiasts will enjoy discovering new works and may even select a few of the highlights for future performances. © 2012 The Clarinet

All of the music is in the treble-dominated style of Italian music, and the two performers give renditions that are thoughtful and lively. Bosi phrases like a vocalist, giving wonderful shape to his lines…Bartoli is an excellent collaborator, playing with great touch and rich tone, and he responds to Bosi’s ideas with sensitivity and energy. © 2012 American Record Guide Read complete review on American Record Guide online

these genuinely are gems.

The overall tone of this delightful recital is one of serenity: this is music certain to have very wide appeal. All the items are very listener-friendly—concise, stylish and lyrical, the melodies flow thick and fast, by turn wistful, witty, dreamy, lush; always harking back to Weber, but generally with a dash of Italian seasoning for extra flavour. …these are elegantly crafted, sophisticated pieces by composers who had an intimate knowledge of the clarinet that enabled them to bring out its beauty of tone, be creative and please audiences all at the same time.

Sergio Bosi and Riccardo Bartoli are very impressive, both separately considered and in combination. © 2012 MusicWeb International Read complete review

La retahíla de nombres que anteceden antes más parecen el equipo de cualquier club de balompié italiano que compositores. Dudo que usted, atento lector, se haya cruzado con alguno de estos nombres y yo le confieso que ninguno me era conocido ni por asomo. El disco es la suma de obras, 15 de las que 13 son primicias discográficas, todas destinadas al clarinete, y sus autores pertenecen a esa categoría extinta del s.XIX de intérprete-compositor, siendo la mayoría de ellos profesores de conservatorio y solistas en orquestas varias, algunos—De Lorenzo y Scarmolin—terminando sus carreras y sus vidas en EEUU; muchas de ellas no escapan de ser meras piezas de salón aunque precisen de un virtuosismo de muchos quilates, y ninguna dañará nuestro oído tonal a pesar de ciertos guiños al impresionismo debussysta de Di Donato, o el perfume francés de Saint-Saëns en Cappetti y su Piccola Suite. La interpretación es correcta, con los trillones de notas en su sitio aunque el sonido no es demasiado refinado ni bello y se escuchen demasiado las respiraciones y el mecanismo del clarinetista Bosi. No obstante, debería ser de obligada escucha para todos los amantes e intérpretes del clarinete. © 2012 Ritmo