Gino Marinuzzi (1882–1945) was a great conductor and composer whose operatic experience made his own theatrical work extremely effective. Composed in Marinuzzi’s signature post-Romantic ‘grand style’, Palla de’ Mozzi was hugely successful in its day and is considered a masterpiece of 20th-century Italian opera. Making ample use of symphonic writing and rich characterisation, the opera tells the dramatic and ultimately apocalyptic story of Giovanni de’ Medici’s militia, the ‘Black Bands’, commanded by the imaginary figure of Palla de’ Mozzi. This acclaimed Cagliari production was summed up in Libero as ‘something rarely heard … a synthesis of the entire history of music’.

‘The entire cast was outstanding, the orchestra of the Lirico from Cagliari shone with maximum sound beauty, clearly evident in the various moments in which it is the protagonist. Grazioli evidently deepened the rich score, capturing its infinite nuances.’ – L’Ape musicale

‘Marinuzzi’s work is ennobled by a musical performance of absolute value, starting with the direction of Giuseppe Grazioli who fully believes in the operation by highlighting – supported with precision by the orchestra – the colours and atmospheres of the score, restoring them listening with passion and a critical spirit, favoring late romantic impulses but not neglecting the present twentieth-century influences.’ – Le Salon Musical

Cast:
- Palla de’ Mozzi: Elia Fabbian (baritone)
- Signorello: Leonardo Caimi (tenor)
- Il Montelabro: Francesco Verna (baritone)
- Anna Bianca: Francesca Tiburzi (soprano)
- Il Vescovo: Cristian Saitta (bass)
- Il Mancino: Andrea Galli (tenor)
- Giomo: Murat Can Güvem (tenor)
- Spadaccia: Matteo Loi (baritone)
- Niccolò: Luca Dall’Amico (bass)
- Straccaguerra: Giuseppe Raimondo (tenor)
- Il Capo Dei Lanzi: Alessandro Busi (bass)
- Due Suore: Elena Schirru (soprano), Lara Rotili (mezzo-soprano)

Recording place: Teatro Lirico of Cagliari, Italy
Recording date: February 2020