Violist Luigi Alberto Bianchi specializes in performances on historical instruments–that is, instruments that have historical value, not period instruments. In these recordings from 1973 and 1980, he plays the Gran Viola by Amati (1595), stolen in Milan a few weeks after the second recording session released on this CD, and never found since. Because of the unusual size and length of the fingerboard, this unique instrument was especially difficult to play, but also extremely rewarding in terms of tonal beauty and depth of sonority. Paganini’s Sonata per la Gran Viola is a perfect vehicle for Bianchi’s virtuosity and cantabile playing, while the 10 pieces borrowed from the violin literature and transcribed for viola further show the extensive range of his sensitive musicianship. The performances of Liebesleid & Liebesfreud, or, most notably, of Nigun, could teach many violinists a thing or two. Bruno Canino’s expert partnership supports the magic timbre of the Gran Viola without an ounce of heaviness. The analog recordings are very pleasant and clear, except for some intrusive dynamic saturation on some tracks. Now if only someone could retrieve Amati’s Gran Viola and give it back to its owner…
