Giulio Briccialdi

Five Paraphrases on Verdi Operas

Giulio Briccialdi (1818-1881) started his career as a solo flutist in various opera orchestras in which he changed and extended the flute parts according to his abilities which soon turned him into Italy's most wanted flutist. Solo performances followed as well as travels throughout Europe where he met with famous musicians, e.g. with Theobald Boehm who had constructed a new type of flute which Briccialdi supported and improved. Back in Italy, he made it into the league of orchestra conductors. Furthermore, he was a supporter of Italy's unification. Today, he is regarded as one of the greatest flutists of the 18th century who was a master at combining art and craft plus belcanto with virtuosity. It is assumed that the autographs of the opera paraphrases presented here are lost. The new edition is based on the first prints. Errors in printing and discrepancies between score and flute part were improved, articulation marks were added. This edition enriches the virtuoso flute repertoire and is a gem for opera friends.