Federica Nalbone

Amazing deeds and performances on the verge of acrobatics: this is how Emilia Giuliani’s executions are described in the chronicles of the time.She seems to intend to challenge the guitar she is holding and the audience,ready to marvel at the feats shown by the performer on the stage, enthusiastically applauds. But the skills of a virtuoso also lies in being able to conceal from the viewers the effort necessary to perform whirls and funambolic gestures. And Emilia’s, in particular, is a challenge in the challenge: in addition to demonstrating great dexterity in performing,those who play her music must also indulge in the daintiness of a musicality with a vocal imprint.The distinguishing feature of this musician,however, is herboundlesspassionforItalianoperaandespeciallyBellini’s:itisnocoincidencethatmost of her compositions are variations or fantasias on arias wrote by the Sicilian master.