Genin, PA :: Carnaval de Venise op. 14 [Carnival of Venice op. 14]

Carnaval de Venise op. 14 [Carnival of Venice op. 14]

Genin, PA

From the publisher, Gerard Billaudot, Paul-Agricole Genin’s Carnaval de Venise op. 14 for flute and piano is based on a Neapolitan folk tune called 'O Mamma, Mamma Cara', and popularized by violinist and composer Niccolo Paganini. This piece is one of the most beloved works for the flute. It exudes sheer brilliance through technical facility, stunning long phrases, as well as requires an overall sense of maturity throughout the virtuosic passages. There are numerous versions of the ‘Carnival of Venice,’ and Genin’s is brilliant! Giulio Briccialdi (1818-1881) was born in Terni, Italy and studied flute with his father until the age of fourteen. Following the passing of his father, Briccialdi moved to Rome, where he studied composition and was appointed to the Accademia di Santa Cecilia as flute teacher. He would ultimately go on to teach flute to Italian royalty, including the king's brother. He also toured as a performer throughout Europe and America and finally settled in London becoming a director of the instrument-making firm, Rudall and Rose. Besides the mechanical developments he would pioneer at that company, Briccialdi's virtuoso arrangement of the popular Carnival of Venice theme would become one of his most enduring legacies.