On the surface of things, Giuseppe Martucci’s keyboard writing stirs its brew from the potent founts of Chopin, Mendelssohn, Liszt, and, at times, Brahms. But don’t hold that against the composer. Try to sample this second volume of Martucci’s piano music and absorb the poignant harmonies of his Op. 70 Nocturnes, the orchestral sensibility of the Op. 51 Fantasia, or the ambitious variety inherent in the Six Pieces Op. 44 (capped by a meaty, fingertwisting tarantella). After a while Martucci’s own voice will make itself felt. Francesco Caramiello’s heavy, overly loud playing, though, lacks the suppleness, grace, arching line, and winged humor this music desperately needs and deserves. Piano mavens looking for unknown Romantic fare will surely want to know about this release. Fine sonics.
