Bolzano Festival Bozen 2026 - Un air d'Italie

The ensemble Pizzicar Galante, with soloist Anna Schivazappa, brings to Castel Mareccio as part of the Bolzano Festival Bozen a concert dedicated to a nearly forgotten instrument: the mandolin.

Yet this instrument of Neapolitan origin enjoyed extraordinary popularity throughout Europe in the second half of the eighteenth century. Celebrated Neapolitan virtuosos such as Giovanni Battista Gervasio and Gabriele Leone spread its fame through extensive touring across the continent. In France in particular, both the aristocracy and the bourgeoisie took up the mandolin with enthusiasm, guided by Italian teachers and instruction manuals that included, among other things, basic rules for accompanying oneself while singing arias from the Comédie Italienne — much to the delight of amateur music lovers.

Programme:

Giovanni Battista Gervasio – Sonata in C major for mandolin and basso continuo

Anonymous (after Francesco Mancini and F. B. Conti) – Sonata VI in G minor

Anonymous (after Francesco Mancini and F. B. Conti) – Sonata Prima in C major

Anonymous – La Fürstenberg

Giovanni Battista Gervasio – Sonata in D major

Soloist: Anna Schivazappa – mandolin