Domenico Liverani (1805-1877)

Domenico Liverani was a fanatical admirer of Rossini and the composer responded warmly, calling him his caro Menghino. He was professor of clarinet at the Bologna Liceo Musicale, an appointment probably due to Rossini, who became its director in 1839. As a virtuoso Liverani was said to have an extraordinarily powerful tone. He composed a considerable amount for his instrument including a concerto which he dedicated to Rossini and a cantata with clarinet obbligato. Cujus Animam is the first of two Chants réligieux sur le Stabat Mater; Liverani dedicated them to the young Marchese Camillo Pizzardi who later founded the Società del Quartetto at Bologna.

Cujus Animam has been recorded by Colin Bradbury and Oliver Davies on the CD The Art of the Clarinettist (CC0008).

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