Italiana! Muti/Philharmonic Brass (SACD)

Italiana! brings together the Philharmonic Brass under the direction of Riccardo Muti in a program celebrating Italy’s rich musical heritage. Featuring brilliant brass arrangements of favorites by Rossini, Verdi, Puccini and Respighi, this release transforms beloved orchestral and operatic classics into a dazzling virtuoso showcase.

Formed from members of the Vienna and Berlin Philharmonic brass sections and their distinguished colleagues, the ensemble made its debut in Vienna’s Musikverein in 2023. Here, Muti leads a spirited tour through Italian opera and symphonic color, from the drama of Nabucco and William Tell to the grandeur of Pines of Rome and Roman Festivals.

Verdi (arr. Höfs) Nabucco, Overture

Rossini (arr. Höfs) L'italiana in Algeri, Overture

Giazotto (arr. Höfs) Adagio in G Minor

Verdi (arr. Lawrence) Aida, Ballabile

Puccini (arr. Höfs) Manon Lescaut, Intermezzo

Rossini (arr. Höfs) Guillaume Tell, Overture

Martucci (arr. Lawrence) Nocturne No. 1 in G-flat Major, Op. 70

Respighi (arr. Lawrence) Feste Romane, "Circenses"

Respighi (arr. Lawrence) Pini di Roma, "I pini della Via Appia"

Discs: 1
Record Label: Supreme Classics
Release Date: May 2, 2025