Alessandro Rolla Complete Works for Solo Viola, BI. 310 - 322

Alessandro Rolla was a towering figure in the history of string performance and pedagogy. Born in Pavia in 1757, he distinguished himself not only as a virtuoso violist and violinist, but also as a prolific composer, conductor, and influential teacher whose vision shaped an entire generation of musicians. Although modern audiences often remember him chiefly as the early mentor of Niccolò Paganini, Rolla’s own achievements and innovations place him firmly among the most forward-looking musicians of his era. His career embodies the transition from the classical elegance of the late 18th century to the expressive virtuosity that would define the Romantic age. His pioneering contributions to instrumental techniqu —particularly for the viola —marked a decisive turning point in the instrument’s development. Long before Paganini astonished European audiences with his dazzling brilliance, Rolla had already introduced revolutionary ideas: left-hand pizzicato, rapid chromatic scales, the systematic use of extremely high positions, and bold octave and arpeggio passages. These elements, now central to virtuoso performance, originated largely with him and not solely with his illustrious student. In this way, Rolla stands as a true innovator whose influence reached far beyond his own lifetime, shaping the technical and expressive identity of string playing itself. Rolla’s professional path flourished in the courts and theaters of Northern Italy. His debut in 1772, performing what was described as “the first viola concerto ever heard,” was a landmark moment for the instrument. In 1782 he became principal violist and concertmaster of the Ducal Orchestra in Parma, a prestigious post he held until 1802. When the Duke’s death dissolved the ensemble, Rolla was summoned to Milan to lead and conduct the orchestra of Teatro alla Scala. There he remained until 1833, playing a central role in the city’s artistic life and leaving a profound mark on the Italian orchestral and operatic tradition. This album presents the first complete recording of Rolla’s extant works for solo viola, comprising BI 310 through BI 322. Together, they offer a rare and comprehensive glimpse into the expressive and technical ideals Rolla envisioned
for the instrument, forming an essential corpus for violists and scholars alike. Among them, the three Esercizi or Caprices (BI 311, BI 313, BI 314) stand out as some of the earliest significant contributions to the unaccompanied viola repertoire. Particularly striking is BI 314, Esercizio e Arpeggio, which later drew the attention of the eminent Russian violist Vadim Borisovsky (1900–1972), who arranged it with piano accompaniment and championed it in performance, thus securing Rolla’s voice in the 20th-century revival of viola literature. Equally fascinating is the remarkable set of seven operatic arrangements for solo
viola, bearing the title “Pezzi di musica ridotti per Viola Sola ad uso di Sua Eccellenza il Signor Conte Giuseppe Archinto.” These adaptations reveal Rolla’s sensitivity to melody and his mastery in transforming vocal and orchestral material into idiomatic writing for the viola. The excerpts—taken from operas by Vaccaj, Rossini, and Bellini—reflect the refined musical tastes of the Italian nobility while showcasing the viola’s lyrical, expressive potential. They are far more than mere reductions: they are sophisticated reimaginings that allow the instrument to assume an operatic voice, singing with pathos, elegance, and
dramatic intensity. From the brief yet graceful Intonazioni to the deeply expressive Romanza e Preghiera and the brilliant Caprices, the program spans a wide range of styles and emotions, perfectly embodying Rolla’s dual identity as both innovator and melodist rooted in the Italian tradition. For this project, Marco Misciagna has performed from the modern critical edition published by Gems Music Publications, meticulously prepared by Kenneth Martinson, ensuring both fidelity to Rolla’s manuscripts and accessibility for today’s performers. This world premiere recording is more than a tribute: it restores to the viola an essential yet long-forgotten chapter of its history. By presenting these works in their entirety, the album highlights Rolla’s pivotal role as both a technical pioneer and a poet of the instrument, reaffirming his legacy and offering audiences the chance to rediscover the rich beauty of his music.