Bellini Project
Bellini Project
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Abstract
The Bellini Project is an initiative to rediscover Vincenzo Bellini’s lesser-known instrumental music through original Medhelan transcriptions for violin and piano of his major worls, like Symphonies in D major and C minor.
The two symphonies reveal a different side of Bellini’s artistry, combining his unmistakable lyrical sensibility with rhythmic vitality and inventive instrumental writing.
This project is deeply linked to the genesis of another project: the Serra Project
Why Bellini
Why Bellini
The Bellini project was conceived on the occasion of the premiere concert of two Sonatas for Violin and Piano by composer Luciano Maria Serra, held on February 10, 2026, at the Steinway Showroom in Vienna.
With the aim of highlighting these two works by the Sicilian composer, and in light of his biographical background—which already includes experience as a conductor and the composition of works commissioned by the Teatro Bellini in Catania—we identified Bellini himself as the ideal composer to complete the programme.
An Urgent Need
An Urgent Need
Unfortunately, Bellini left us no compositions for violin and piano. He did, however, write a number of remarkable symphonies, which provide ample evidence of his considerable abilities in the instrumental sphere as well.
We therefore decided to undertake our own transcriptions for violin and piano of the two Symphonies in D major and C minor.
The Two Symphonies
The Two Symphonies
Characterized by a simple and clear structure, and by a perfect symbiosis between Bellini’s typically lyrical style and the rhythmic vitality provided by frequent contrapuntal passages and thematic-motivic development, both symphonies follow the same overall pattern: a slow opening followed by a fast movement.
The Symphony in D major opens in a somber, almost funereal mood, followed by a carefree and light-hearted movement with an almost pastoral character.
The Symphony in C minor, on the other hand, begins with a distinctly lyrical and Romantic opening, followed by a lively, spirited, and energetic Allegro.
We hope that these transcriptions will help bring these works to a wider audience and contribute to their rediscovery.
A charming anecdote has it that the very first concert given by Matteo Generani and Doriano Di Domenico, many years before they founded the Medhelan Duo, ended with a transcription for violin and piano of Bellini’s celebrated aria “Casta Diva.”
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