Album Review: Integrale musica per pianoforte di Federico Gozzelino by Silvia Belfiore & Federico Gozzelino
Alright, let’s cut the crap. This album ain’t your grandma’s classical piano record—unless your grandma is into post-modern twists that mess with your brain while soothing your soul. Released in 2018 on Solo Musica (Italy always kills it with these niche labels), Integrale musica per pianoforte is a wild ride through Federico Gozzelino’s mind, brought to life by Silvia Belfiore’s fingers hammering those keys like she means business.
First off, this isn’t some fluffy, predictable "sit-by-the-fire" classical album. Nope. It’s got teeth, claws, and maybe even a bit of an attitude problem. You feel me? The whole thing screams “I’m smarter than you,” but not in an annoying way—in a “damn, I need to listen again” kinda way.
Now, let’s talk tracks. Track 3—I don’t care what it’s called—it hits different. Like, imagine someone took Beethoven, threw him into a blender with Philip Glass, and hit puree. The piece starts slow, almost too calm, lulling you into thinking everything’s chill. But then BAM! These jagged chords come outta nowhere, slapping you across the face. It’s disorienting as hell, but also oddly satisfying. Like biting into a lemon tart when you were expecting chocolate cake. By the time it ends, you’re left sitting there going, “What… just happened?”
Then there’s Track 7 (seriously, who names these things?). This one sticks because it feels like a fever dream. One minute, it’s all delicate arpeggios dancing around like fairies or whatever. Next thing you know, it turns dark—real dark. Low notes rumble under your skin, making you wanna punch something or cry. Maybe both. It’s messy, chaotic, and yet somehow perfectly controlled. That contrast? Killer move.
Look, I’ll admit, this album might not be for everyone. If you’re looking for easy listening, go stream some Spotify playlist garbage. But if you want something that challenges you, pisses you off a little, and makes you rethink what piano music can do? Yeah, this is it.
Here’s the kicker though: after listening to this beast of an album, I couldn’t help but wonder—if Federico Gozzelino had access to synthesizers instead of just a piano, would he have gone full-on electronic mad scientist? Food for thought.
