The Light Orchestra of the Italian-Swiss Radio is the oldest established of the three regional Radio Light Orchestras in Switzerland.

Founded in 1940 by the late Fernando Paggi, it is under the direction of Mario Robbiani who personally takes care of the orchestral arrangements and sound supervision. The orchestra comprises several smaller formations and has a widely varied repertoire ranging from current pop to jazz and specialising in Italian songs and Latin American numbers.

This programme includes another feature of the vocal group "The Musicals".

Musical content

1. Italian-Swiss Radio Light Orchestra: Palace Hotel
(Picking)
Mario Robbiani, conductor
2. Italian-Swiss Radio Light Orchestra: Perfurme
(Impallomeni-Nali)
Mario Robbiani, conductor
3. Italian-Swiss Radio Light Orchestra: Geneviève
(L. Bill)
The Musicals, vocal group; Mario Robbiani, conductor
4. Italian-Swiss Radio Light Orchestra: Vana speranza - Vain Hopes
(Zauli-Casali)
Gisella Fusi, vocal; Mario Robbiani, piano and conductor
5. Italian-Swiss Radio Light Orchestra: Fantasy
(M. Nielsen)
Franco Ambrosetti, trumpet; Mario Robbiani, conductor

Personnel of the Italian-Swiss Radio Light Orchestra

Emilio Soana (tp); Cataldo d'Addario (tp); Oscar Maetti (tp); Nino Impallomeni (tp); Giacomo Rota (as, bs, cl); Sergio Valenti (as, cl, fl); Giulio Butti (ts, cl, fl); Michel Surget (ts, cl, fl); Leandro Prete (bs); Nicola Castriotta (tb); Giuseppe Bergamasco (tb); Giancarlo Romani (tb); Giuseppe Guerra (g); Mario Robbiani (cond, p, acc); Gianfranco Angelin (bg); Rolando Ceragioli (dr)

Production information

Musica Helvetica. Lightly Swiss LS 9. Italian-Swiss Radio Light Orchestra. Produced in 1977 for SBC / SRI by Lance Tschannen.

Background information

Switzerland is a small alpine nation shaped and influenced by great cultural cross-currents that have swept through Europe over centuries. Out of elements of diversity, the people of this country have forged a distinctly Swiss identity. And music is one of its most eloquent expressions. "Musica Helvetica" explores different facets of music in Switzerland from its earliest beginnings to the latest works of modern Swiss composers, from folk music to rock and jazz. This historical series span the years 1973 to 1998. These recordings are not available.

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