Hanna Hipp, mezzo-soprano, said: ‘When Emma Abbate first asked me whether I would be interested in recording a selection of songs by Ildebrando Pizzetti with her I knew nothing about the composer. Furthermore, I have never worked on Italian art song before. Emma’s passion and conviction intrigued me and knowing that not only is she an excellent musician but also an outstanding Italian coach reassured me that I would learn a lot from this project. Before I started my own preparation, I asked Emma to simply play the piano part of each song to me, so that I could get the sense of the sound world of Pizzetti’s writing. I clearly recall that day and the absolute enchantment mixed with amazement once she made the introduction. It was a wondrous discovery! Each song was utterly beautiful, unique, each a masterpiece of its own, a whole cross-section ranging from simplicity to virtuosity. Pizzetti’s songs indisputably needed a voice. From that day onwards, our mindset switched into one of a mission; to simply give this composer and his work the rightful justice and recognition he and it so much deserved. Afterwards came the joy of working as a duo; the discovery of poetry, the discussions about interpretation, a brainstorming of ideas and the final arrival to mutual conclusions. Pizzetti is outstanding when it comes to utilising poetry. The marriage of word and sound is impeccable, and it allows the singer to tell the story with ease. Some songs may have an operatic quality to them, but the ones which are simple in their form are equally challenging. The very human subjects of love, piercing desire, the desperate voice of longing and mourning were but a few I had to paint with my voice and I hope I have done so with conviction. I hope that this is what Pizzetti had in mind. I also truly hope that, thanks to this project, his music will finally come to life and be appreciated!’
Discography
Sera d'inverno: Songs by Ildebrando Pizzetti
Hanna Hipp (mezzo-soprano) & Emma Abbate (piano)
Following on from her recording of Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco’s Shakespeare Sonnets, acclaimed pianist Emma Abbate continues her series of landmark recordings dedicated to Italian twentieth-century vocal chamber music, with this remarkable collection of songs by Ildebrando Pizzetti (1880-1968).
Abbate is joined in this fascinating journey through Pizzetti’s unique sound world by star mezzo-soprano Hanna Hipp in a programme covering half of his output for the genre.
At times dark and intense, and with many moments of real beauty, these songs show a composer at the peak of his powers.
Credits
© 2018 Resonus Limited
Ⓟ 2018 Resonus Limited
Catalogue No. RES10176
Producer, engineer & editor: Adam Binks
EAN: 5060262791141
Release date: 2 March 2018
Cover design: David Hughes (www.davidhughesdesign.co.uk)
Sera d'inverno: Songs by Ildebrando Pizzetti
About
Hanna Hipp (mezzo-soprano) & Emma Abbate (piano)
Following on from her recording of Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco’s Shakespeare Sonnets, acclaimed pianist Emma Abbate continues her series of landmark recordings dedicated to Italian twentieth-century vocal chamber music, with this remarkable collection of songs by Ildebrando Pizzetti (1880-1968).
Abbate is joined in this fascinating journey through Pizzetti’s unique sound world by star mezzo-soprano Hanna Hipp in a programme covering half of his output for the genre.
At times dark and intense, and with many moments of real beauty, these songs show a composer at the peak of his powers.
Credits
© 2018 Resonus Limited
Ⓟ 2018 Resonus Limited
Catalogue No. RES10176
Producer, engineer & editor: Adam Binks
EAN: 5060262791141
Release date: 2 March 2018
Cover design: David Hughes (www.davidhughesdesign.co.uk)
https://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/
Reviews
Mark Valencia, The Classical Source, August 2018
“Pizzetti, an arch-respecter of words [...] navigates the texts with outstanding communicative expertise, and Hipp, who knows her way around such soundworlds, delivers them with an actor’s panache.”
Jonathan Woolf, MusicWeb International, July 2018
"Hipp sings with tonal richness and real textual sensitivity – a vital matter in so text-conscious a composer as Pizzetti [...]"
Clive Paget, Limelight Magazine, June 2018
(EDITOR’S CHOICE)
“And while there’s aching wistfulness to songs like d’Annunzio’s ‘I Pastori’, perfectly caught by Hipp’s inward, reflective tone, she can blossom into full refulgence in a love song like Giovanni Papini’s erotically-charged ‘Passeggiata’. Hers is a substantial instrument, warm and resonant […] Hipp clearly identifies strongly with this particular composer and is well-equipped to bring out the voluptuous and velvety in his songs.”
Tim Ashley, Gramophone, May 2018
"Many of the songs are notably bleak or stark in mood: Hipp and Abbate deliver them with considerable intensity. Hipp's gleaming sound and declamatory fire impress [...] One admires her lyrical restraint [...] and suggestive, but sparing way she uses her chest register. [...] Abbate meanwhile breathes life into piano writing that is frequently sparse but in which every shift of rhythm or colour speaks volumes."
Robert Hugill, Planet Hugill, March 2018
"Hanna Hipp sings with a lovely bright tone and a real radiance in the more passionate passages. She sings the Italian admirably... Hipp and Abbate make real music, the songs flow fluidly and have moments of great beauty and real radiance."