THE CD ALBUM „SIR PAOLO TOSTI AT THE BRITISH ROYAL COURT” BY STANISLAW DANIEL KOTINSKI, MARCO BALDERI, SIMON ZHU, MACIEJ KUŁAKOWSKI, AWARDED A 5-STAR REVIEW, THE HIGHEST DISTINCTION OF THE PRESTIGUOS ITALIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC MAGAZINE – „MUSICA” ! MAY 2026
The full CD album review from MUSICA Magazine, May 2026
SIR PAOLO TOSTI AT THE BRITISH ROYAL COURT
Don’t be fooled by the Polish origins of the baritone Stanisław Daniel Kotliński, the focus of this recording: Italian by training, studies and maturation, he has, over time, become an expert connoisseur and ambassador of Francesco Paolo Tosti’s music around the world, culminating in the creation of this exquisite album. Originally conceived as a musical tribute to Her Majesty Elizabeth II, it was released in a limited edition of 70 copies, simultaneously celebrating the 175th anniversary of Tosti’s birth (2021) and the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II’s reign (2022). The choice of Tosti is no coincidence: the composer settled in the British capital after an impressive success with his debut in 1875, becoming a singing teacher to at least three generations of British monarchs, including Queen Victoria herself. The recording is now being released in collaboration with the Istituto Nazionale Tostiano in Ortona on the Da Vinci Classics label, along with a refined booklet filled with evocative illustrations and, appropriately, dedicated to the memory of Queen Elizabeth II. The refined program alternates pieces by Tosti with compositions by Gaetano Braga, Frank Bridge, and Giuseppe Verdi and appears to have been arranged with the care and attention the importance of the event deserves. Stanisław Daniel Kotliński navigates Tosti’s melodies with class and refinement, arousing even more admiration, not being a native speaker, because his articulation of words and prosody appears decidedly natural and, above all, capable of finding the right expressive mix of irony, tenderness, and simplicity of delivery that is so difficult to find but which gives these melodies their secret and fragile charm, often destroyed if approached with too much of an „operatic” approach. The Polish artist is supported on this fascinating journey by Marco Balderi’s sensitive piano, Simon Zhu’s violin, and Maciej Kułakowski’s cello, particularly prominent in the Braga Serenade. The recording, made in Gdańsk, is excellent, and the booklet features extensive liner notes in Italian, including a personal note written by Kotliński himself. For lovers of Italian chamber music, this is a must-see disc.
Gabriele Cesaretti
