"...this release is a worthwhile discovery. Unlike other virtuoso instrumentalists who overestimated their talents at writing music, Magnani is a genuine composer with craft and utterance. Although his compositions are clearly products of the 19th Century Italy, full of bel canto melodies and dramatic technical passages, they are sincere and enjoyale. His themes are simple yet attractive; his writing is challenging but idiomatic; his pacing is excellent; and his harmonies, while standard for their time, are expressive and the driving forcein the music.  The performances are fully committed. Bartodi is a superb keyboardist and chamber musician, delivering great energy and color to match his excellent touch and technique; and he always gives scores what they need, whether it is a guitar -strumming accompaniment or full-throated opera orchestra. Bosi boasts terrific fingers, nimble articulation, and a brilliatsolo perdonality..."

 

Patrick Hanudel - American Record Guide - March/April 2013

"Ace clarinettist Sergio Bosi and pianist Riccardo Bartoli are back again for Naxos with a follow-up to their superb disc of ‘Italian Clarinet Gems’, released in 2011. This is essentially more in a similar vein, but this time by a single composer... Magnani’s music is certainly not flippant or bland. In fact, it is stylishly entertaining, especially for those who adore lyrical clarinet. All these pieces are lovingly crafted and creatively mellifluous—three indeed are pastiches... the recital is, for the most part, a virtuosic work-out for the clarinettist... This recording can ... be seen as Bosi’s tribute to Magnani, and what a fine one it is. His tone is mellow, his phrasing refined and thoughtful. With a large discography to his credit, it is a pity he is not more widely recognised. Riccardo Bartoli teaches at the same institution in Italy, giving the pair plenty of time to internalise the scores—as their intuitive interactions in this recording testify. This programme was recorded at the same venue as ‘Italian Clarinet Gems’, and sound quality is just as impressive." 

 

Byzantion - MusicWeb-International.com - March 2013