The members of the group I Musici Gemelli are Francesco Pio Bertozzi and Giuseppe Pio Bertozzi, both born on September 1, 2000. Francesco and Giuseppe graduated with top marks in violin at the Umberto Giordano Conservatory in Foggia and later completed a second Master’s degree in Chamber Music at the Conservatory of Parma. They have held masterclasses and advanced courses in duo formation with renowned musicians such as Ilya Grubert, Andrés Diaz, Laura Marzadori, Kathrin Ten Hagen, Mirjam Tschopp, Marco Fiorini, the Mirò String Quartet, and the baroque music group Il Rossignolo. The duo is also active in musicological research, with their studies featured on Rai Radio 3 and listed in the OPAC SBN catalog (National Central Library of Florence).
I Musici Gemelli’s latest release, “The Art of the Duo,” is a masterful exploration of what two violins can achieve in perfect harmony. This 18-track journey opens with the mesmerizing “Duo Concertante No. 2, Op. 29, I. Moderato assai,” where the violin work is nothing short of spellbinding. From moments of pure delight to eccentric passages and intensely moving sequences, the work meanders through an emotional canvas, demonstrating the duo’s extraordinary ability to employ their instruments to speak directly to the soul.
Their interpretation of Campagnoli’s “Duo No. 6, Op. 14, II. Allegro moderato” is proof of their versatility. The performance captures the essence of a bygone era while remaining vibrantly alive. The violins dance together in an elegant pas de deux, with expertly crafted crescendos and diminuendos that sweep listeners into their graceful rhythm.
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The album concludes magnificently with Telemann’s “Suite for Two Violins, ‘Gulliver’s Travels’: V. Loure der gesitteten Houyhnhnms.” Here, I Musici Gemelli prove that storytelling needs no words – their bows craft a narrative as vivid as any written tale. The interplay between the two violins creates a rich tapestry of sound that serves as a fitting finale to this remarkable collection.
“The Art of the Duo” stands as a brilliant reminder of classical music’s enduring power to move, challenge, and delight. It’s a celebration of the violin duo format that manages to feel both timeless and fresh.
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We had an opportunity to talk to I Musici Gemelli about their new album and more. Keep reading to get all the inside scoop.
Q. Hey, I Musici Gemelli! Welcome to Sinusoidal. The album title, “The Art of the Duo,” suggests a philosophy as much as a collection of works. What does “the art” of playing in duo form mean to you beyond the technical skill?
A: For us, the “art” of playing in a duo goes far beyond technical skill: it means merging musically, becoming a single sound. Playing in a duo is an act of listening, of trust, of constant balance. It’s like speaking the same language with different accents, but always finding a way to understand and enrich each other. Being twins certainly helps.
Q. “Duo Concertante No. 2, Op. 29, I. Moderato assai” feels like a journey through emotional terrains—joy, surrealism, depth. How do you approach shaping such a wide spectrum with only two instruments?
A: When playing with two instruments such as violins, which have the same sound range and timbre, it is really challenging to create a wide dynamic variety. From a technical point of view, it is very difficult, but we must remember that, at a certain point, technique must serve the music. To convey emotions, the key is listening to each other. It is a journey that came to us after years of studying together…only in this way were we able to “travel” through emotional territories and take our listeners on a journey too.
Q. “Duo No. 6, Op. 14, II. Allegro moderato” carries both technical fireworks and a natural, almost dance-like feel. How do you keep historically-informed works fresh and spontaneous for modern audiences?
A: Of course, classical music has strict rules, especially instrumental music: when you play, you have to respect the composer’s intentions and tell their story. But at the same time, you also have to tell your own story. This is why every performance is different, and this is how you manage to keep even historically-informed works fresh and spontaneous.
Q. “Suite for Two Violins, “Gulliver’s Travels”: V. Loure der gesitteten Houyhnhnms” is a fascinating choice to close with. What drew you to this work, and how do you think instrumental storytelling without words compares to vocal or literary storytelling?
A: Gulliver’s Travels is a famous literary work that has often been set to music. But what makes Telemann’s version unique? Certainly its musical depth: we are talking about a genius on a par with Mozart or Beethoven. It is fascinating to see how he manages to tell the whole story of Gulliver in just a few minutes, with only two instruments and no vocals. Each movement narrates an episode, such as the Loure der gesitteten Houyhnhnms, the piece with which we close. It perfectly represents the Houyhnhnms (wise and rational horses who rule with calm and logic in the story) and this can be perceived in the music: orderly, brilliant, and solemn.
Q. Playing as a duo requires a balance of individuality and unity. How do you navigate moments when the violins “converse” versus when they must merge into one voice?
A: The most important thing is to find a common musical line to follow. Sometimes the violins blend together, creating a single voice from two distinct lines; other times we are alone, and in those moments we have to balance the sound, always thinking about the duo as a whole. It is like a conversation made up of glances and breaths, where musical intention guides every choice. Thus, even when the violins stand out, we always remain connected, keeping alive the unity of our group: I Musici Gemelli.
Q. Was there a collaboration on this album that surprised you the most, where the final result turned out very different from what you imagined at first?
A: Every time we create an album, we have an idea of what we want to achieve, but in the studio there are many factors beyond our control. Time is limited and we have to build everything from scratch in just a few days. For this reason, the final result is always a surprise: each performance is different and brings something unexpected, which enriches the project. Fortunately, we have the opportunity to work for an important record label: Hunnia Records & Film Production. Thanks to the quality of its productions and its catalog, it has attracted the attention of music fans and critics from all over Europe, enhancing its prestige as a representative of a diverse and tradition-rich music scene.
Q. If you could point listeners to one track as the heart of “The Art of the Duo”, which would it be and why?
A: We would definitely choose the opening track of the album The Art Of The Duo. It immediately makes the focus of the project clear. It’s like an invitation to discover the musical direction we want to take and the story we want to tell.
Q. What’s next for I Musici Gemelli?
A: We are focusing on a new album that will be released towards the end of the year. It’s a very special project for us: a world premiere with songs by an exceptional composer! No spoilers for now, but we can’t wait to share it!
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