Juan Diego Flórez: ITALIA

Juan Diego Flórez, Decca’s “dashing tenor, the king of the bel canto repertory” (New York Times) now joins the illustrious list of tenors to record an album of ever-popular Neapolitan and Italian songs, including some in arrangements made for his idol and mentor Luciano Pavarotti.

All the classic favourites are here – from O Sole Mio to Arriverderci Roma, Mattinata and Non ti scordar di me – and to breathe fresh life into this well-known music many of the songs have been newly arranged to evoke the feel of an authentic Neapolitan café band. For these Juan Diego is joined by the star mandolin player Avi Avital and acclaimed accordionist Ksenija Sidorova. Best-selling guitarist Craig Ogden also joins Juan Diego for two songs.

To complete the full Italian flavour these recordings were made in the Italian seaside resort of Fano, just south of Pesaro where Juan Diego makes his summer home – as Pavarotti did before him. For the orchestral tracks the Pesaro-based Filarmonica Giacchino Rossini is conducted by the gifted young Italian Carlo Tenan.

This album perfectly complements Juan Diego’s first disc of popular songs ‘Sentimento Latino’. The Peruvian and Latin American songs on that album have a strong connection with the older repertory of Neapolitan song. Both showcase Florez’s uniquely distinctive sound: ‘His elegant, focused tone rang out clean and clear, with his famous high register – the money-notes for a tenor of his distinction – not just firm but flamboyant.’ (The Guardian)

I grew up with the sound of Caruso and Pavarotti’s joyful singing in my ears. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend a lot of time in Italy during my career, appearing most years in Pesaro’s Rossini Festival. So naturally I was eager to record my own versions of these Italian and Neapolitan favorites. Who doesn’t love these songs? They’re great fun and transport you to the heart of Italy you can actually hear the sunshine! I was pleased to have some special friends join me on this album. They have all helped give it a unique sound which I hope you’ll enjoy! – Juan Diego Flórez

Featuring: Juan Diego Flórez (tenor), Avi Avital (mandolin), Ksenija Sidorova (accordion)
Filarmonica Gioachino Rossini, conductor: Carlo Tenan

Juan Diego Florez ITALIA

Juan Diego Florez ITALIA

1. Ernesto de Curtis (1875 – 1937)
Torna a Surriento
Juan Diego Flórez, Filarmonica Gioachino Rossini, Carlo Tenan

2. Renato Rascel (1912 – 1991)
Arrivederci Roma
Juan Diego Flórez, Avi Avital, Ksenija Sidorova

3. Gaetano Donizetti (1797 – 1848)
Amor Marinaro (Me voglio fa’ ‘na casa)
Juan Diego Flórez, Avi Avital, Ksenija Sidorova, Carlo Tenan

4. Cesare Andrea Bixio (1896 – 1978)
La canzone dell’amore
Juan Diego Flórez, Craig Ogden

5. Gioacchino Rossini (1792 – 1868)
Bolero (“Mi lagnero tacendò”)
Juan Diego Flórez, Filarmonica Gioachino Rossini, Carlo Tenan

6. Francesco Paolo Tosti (1846 – 1916)
Marechiare
Juan Diego Flórez, Avi Avital, Ksenija Sidorova, Carlo Tenan

7. Ruggiero Leoncavallo (1857 – 1919)
Mattinata
Juan Diego Flórez, Filarmonica Gioachino Rossini, Carlo Tenan

8. Eldo di Lazarro
Chitarra Romana
Juan Diego Flórez, Avi Avital, Ksenija Sidorova, Carlo Tenan

9. Anonymous
La nova gelosia
Juan Diego Flórez, Guido Sodo

10. Gioacchino Rossini (1792 – 1868)
La Danza
Juan Diego Flórez, Avi Avital, Filarmonica Gioachino Rossini, Carlo Tenan

11. Stefano Donaudy (1879 – 1925)
Vaghissima sembianza
Juan Diego Flórez, Filarmonica Gioachino Rossini, Carlo Tenan

12. Stanislao Gastaldon (1861 – 1939)
Musica proibita
Juan Diego Flórez, Avi Avital, Ksenija Sidorova, Filarmonica Gioachino Rossini, Carlo Tenan

13. Domenico Modugno (1928 – 1994)
Nel blu, di pinto di blu (“Volare”)

14. Francesco Paolo Tosti (1846 – 1916), Gabriele D’Annunzio (1863 – 1938)
L’alba separa dalla luce l’ombra
Juan Diego Flórez, Filarmonica Gioachino Rossini, Carlo Tenan

15. Ernesto de Curtis (1875 – 1937)
Non ti scordar di me
Juan Diego Flórez, Avi Avital, Ksenija Sidorova, Filarmonica Gioachino Rossini, Carlo Tenan

16. Cesare Andrea Bixio (1896 – 1978)
Parlami d’amore, Mariù
Juan Diego Flórez, Craig Ogden

17. Eduardo DiCapua, Alfredo Mazzucchi (1879 – 1972)
O sole mio
Juan Diego Flórez, Guido Sodo, Avi Avital