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Why these pieces and this line:

Vito Marsico, the true creator and promoter of the Clarinet Quartet, came up with the idea himself to record a second CD. We talked about this project for a long time and now, one year on from his untimely death, the project is finally being realised. The memory of Vito not only accompanies and motivates us, but represents a guide along the path that we are taking together. The songs chosen are all connected with our memory of Vito. “Places of My Mind” by Andrea Morricone is a song that envelopes the listener with comforting tones. It also shows our great esteem for the composer. This composition represents the core soundtrack of this project. “Il Convegno” by Amilcare Ponchielli is, in this version, the result of the “eight hands” transcription proposed and arranged together with Vito when he still played in the quartet. It beautifully highlights the peculiarities of its composer in the style of Italian Nineteenth century virtuosity.

Roberto Cognazzo, who personally knew Vito, wrote “Ouverture Surprise” with the quartet in mind and entrusted to each of us a role in its ironic and humorous set. Latin American culture was for Vito, and is still for us, a passion. It is expressed in a song of warm and engaging atmosphere: “Huapango”, by José Pablo Moncayo. There is an American flavour in “Doo Wop Deconstruction”, a piece written specifically for us by the Texan composer Arthur Gottschalk. It is a true triumph of rhythm and exceptional sonority. We believe that Vito would have truly enjoyed this song. During his stay in Portland, USA Vito became immersed in the local musical life. He possibly met Donald Appert there, a local composer and orchestral conductor. Donald’s composition, “Quartetto Basso”, is an indelible portrait of the American times in which he lived.

Several years ago Bernard Hoffer, a New York composer, wrote “Long Island Expressway”, a piece inspired by a highway. Vito was, along with us, the first person to perform the song, which represents a path undertaken together. Now, and after a short break, he has resumed his journey along that path. The final track, “Psalm”, was arranged by Luigi Bonafede, Vito’s jazz teacher at the Antonio Vivaldi Conservatory of Alessandria. This song beautifully embodies Vito’s love for this piece and for its author John Coltrane. — Rocco Parisi