Trittico Toscano — Homage to Pienza (2015)

Marco Lo Muscio (b. 1971) — Trittico Toscano — Homage to Pienza (2015) for organ

1) Ricercare: Pienza Cathedral
2) Canone sul nome P.I.E.N.Z.A.
3) Saltarello: Piccolomini Palace

“Trittico Toscano — Homage to Pienza” (Tuscan Triptych) (2015) is a homage to the historic town of Pienza in Tuscany, Italy. Pienza, in the beautiful region of Val d'Orcia (south of Siena), is widely known as the "ideal" city of the Renaissance, the creation of the great humanist Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who became Pope Pius II. With architect Bernardo Rossellino, a project was conceived, and in only three years (1459-62) a series of beautiful buildings were constructed: the cathedral, the papal residence (Palazzo Piccolomini), municipal buildings, and the town square. The first movement of the triptych, Ricercare, is inspired by the Cathedral, and is written in a serious, contrapuntal style with Renaissance influence. The second movement, Canone sul nome P.I.E.N.Z.A, is a canon at the octave, based upon the musical note equivalents of the letters in the name. The third movement, Saltarello, is a medieval Italian dance in two sections, inspired by the Palazzo Piccolomini. The work is dedicated to Carson Cooman.

Marco Lo Muscio (b. 1971) is an Italian organist and composer. He concertizes actively in programs that feature his own music as well as organ transcriptions of works by "progressive rock" composers such as John Hackett, Steve Hackett, Keith Emerson, and others. Lo Muscio's own musical style draws on influence from both progressive rock and the classical organ literature, with some forays into medieval and Renaissance music. He has been artistic director of several Italian organ festivals and his works have been played around the world by many major concert organists.

Published by Erreffe Edizioni Musicali (http://www.marcolomuscio.com)