Giulio Briccialdi (1818-1881) was one of the greatest European virtuoso flautist-composers of the 19th century. As such, he wrote mainly for his own instrument, alternating the customary variations on well-known themes with more lyrical and expressive original compositions. This album features a fine collection of works from both categories: Paganini’s Danza delle Streghe and the variations on Carnival of Venice, Verdi’s Traviata and on Berta's Aria from Rossini’s Barbiere di Siviglia alternate with Briccialdi's three fine Romances for flute and piano (occasioned by his daughter’s death and recorded here for the first time) and Le attuali emozioni d’Italia, written in the 1860s in the incandescent atmosphere that followed the country's national liberation wars.

The recording showcases Mario Carbotta's exceptional musicality, warm sound, nuanced palette and impeccable technique.