Tracklist:
1. No. 1, Americana (02:57)
2. No. 2, Capriccio (04:07)
3. No. 3, Choro (02:53)
4. No. 4, Continuo (03:09)
5. No. 5, Crescendo (03:06)
6. No. 6, Fughetta (02:54)
7. No. 7, Improvviso (02:04)
8. No. 8, Napolitana (03:56)
9. No. 9, Notturno (03:09)
10. No. 10, Senza parole (03:27)
11. No. 11, Slancio (01:15)
12. No. 12, Toccata (03:02)
13. No. 13, Walzer (02:31)
14. No. 1, Walzer modesto (03:07)
15. No. 2, Walzer molesto (03:26)
16. No. 3, Walzer mesto (03:26)
17. No. 4, Walzer lesto (02:12)
18. No. 5, Walzer desto (03:25)
19. No. 6, Walzer sesto (03:47)
Paolo Ugoletti was born on June 7, 1956, in Brescia, Italy. His initial engagement with music began under his mother’s guidance, leading him to pursue formal composition studies at the Conservatorio di Brescia in 1973, under the mentorship of Giancarlo Facchinetti and Giovanni Ugolini. His academic trajectory was further enriched by attending courses led by Franco Donatoni at the Accademia Chigiana in Siena in 1979, and subsequently by Giacomo Manzoni at the Milan Conservatory.
The year 1987 marked a pivotal chapter in Ugoletti’s career when he served as composer in residence at the University of Santa Cruz in California. This period was significant for his encounters with the works of Lou Harrison, Arvo Pärt, John Adams, and Keith Jarrett. It spurred a prolific and lasting collaboration with the Sagra Musicale Umbra, for which he composed a vast array of works. Among these were the Gloria from the Missa Solemnis Resurrectionis and his significant contributions to Mozart’s Requiem, notably the completion of the Lacrymosa and the composition of the Amen in 2002.
In the late 1990s, Ugoletti dedicated himself to the creation of extensive collections of piano preludes, namely “Terra di confini” and “La Fonte nascosta,” released in 1998 and 1999, respectively. The period from 2006 to the present has been marked by the release of numerous recordings that feature his compositions, spanning solo piano works, duets, concerts, lieder, guitar pieces, saxophone quartets, wind quintets, and orchestral compositions.
Ugoletti’s repertoire includes over two hundred works, among which are fifteen concertos for solo instrument and orchestra, symphonic pieces, vocal cycles, and collections of piano works. Since 2003, he has engaged in collaborative projects with guitarist Esteban Colucci, pianist Claudio Sanna, and painter Rinaldo Turati, integrating his compositions as integral components of Turati’s art installations.
Currently residing and working in Nave, Paolo Ugoletti continues to make a significant impact on contemporary classical music. His contributions are noted for their depth, innovation, and the integration of diverse musical influences, manifesting a profound commitment to both the heritage and advancement of classical music traditions.
Giampaolo Stuani
Giampaolo Stuani embarked on his piano journey at the tender age of 5, eventually earning his diploma at the Mantua Conservatory under the guidance of Maestro Nando Salardi. Continuing his musical education, he pursued advanced studies with Bruno Mezzena, culminating in the attainment of his Diploma of Advanced Studies with honors at the Accademia Musicale Pescarese.
Having emerged victorious in numerous youth competitions, Stuani garnered international acclaim by clinching the 1st prize at prestigious events such as the Scottish International Piano Competition in Glasgow, the Casella Competition in Naples, the Rina Sala Gallo Competition in Monza, the Brahms Competition in Poertschach, the Bellini Competition in Caltanissetta, the Speranza Competition in Taranto, and the Cimarosa Competition in Aversa. Additionally, he secured top placements in renowned competitions including the Ciani, Busoni, Viotti, Pozzoli, G. Bachauer, K. Kapell competitions, as well as competitions in Cleveland (USA), Epinal (France), Pretoria (South Africa), and Hamamatsu (Japan).
Stuani has graced the stages of Italy, France, Germany, Portugal, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, England, and the United States with his compelling recitals, hosted by esteemed venues such as the Auditorium della RAI “G. Verdi” in Milan, Wigmore Hall in London, the State Theater in Prague, the Municipal Theater in Ferrara, the Regio Theater in Parma, the Ponchielli Theater in Cremona, the Golden Theater in Palermo, La Scala in Milan, and others. He has been invited as a soloist by prestigious orchestras including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Utah Symphony Orchestra, Prague Chamber Orchestra, Sofia State Orchestra, La Scala Orchestra, Transvaal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sicilian Symphony Orchestra, Mantua Chamber Orchestra, Osaka Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and the RAI Radio Televisione Italiana Orchestra, with whom he recorded Stravinsky’s Concerto for Piano and Winds. His recordings are available on CD labels such as Dynamic, Olympia, Azzurra Music, and Fontec.
Presently, Stuani serves as the Principal Piano Professor at the Brescia Conservatory. Renowned for his eclectic repertoire spanning from Bach to contemporary compositions, he is hailed by critics as one of the most captivating pianists of his generation.
