Today we’d like to introduce you to I Musici Gemelli -String Duo-.
Hi I Musici Gemelli, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Our group, I Musici Gemelli, consists of Francesco Pio Bertozzi and Giuseppe Pio Bertozzi. We are twin brothers, both violinists. Our passion for music developed when we were children: we always listened to classical music; our mother and father were lovers of the great Masters: Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, etc. Our passion for the violin came later, almost by chance: at the age of 8, we took part in a violin course at elementary school… and we haven’t stopped since. We both graduated with honors in violin from the Umberto Giordano Conservatory, followed by a second master’s degree in chamber music from the Parma Conservatory. The idea of founding our Duo came about naturally: we shared the same career and grew up together, in life and in music. This allowed us to communicate spontaneously. As the old saying goes: “Those who grow together stay together.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In classical music, the technical level required is extremely high: it takes years of study, perseverance, dedication, and obsessive attention to every detail. But that’s not enough; in our case, as a duo, human understanding is also essential: learning to listen to each other, to breathe together, to create a sincere dialogue between the two instruments, which then becomes a dialogue with the audience…being twins definitely helps!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Our duo, I Musici gemelli, is a classical music duo. In a sense, we can say, that we bring masterpieces of the past back to life. The work we are most proud of, is our third album: Jesusu Of Nazareth, recorded for the label -Hunnia Records & Film Production.-
This album is a World Premiere composed by Emanuele Stracchi. For the first time in the history of classical music, the entire life of Jesus Christ, from birth to resurrection, is interpreted by such a small ensemble: just two violins. It is a radical break with liturgical and musical tradition: from large ensembles, we return to the essentials. Perfectly consistent with the Christian message, the album offers a new perspective on sacred storytelling.
For this project, we wanted something different: a completely new direction. The narrative follows both a theological and human path: birth, revelation, passion, and resurrection. Musically, we constructed an enormous sound parable lasting about 50 minutes. From an interpretative point of view, we had to translate pain and loneliness, but also dignity and a sense of fulfillment, into sound. It was a deeply human task!
The project stems from the desire to combine spiritual depth, formal exploration, and sonic humanity. Its uniqueness lies precisely in its “poverty of means”: two voices intertwining to recount the entire life of Christ. This choice becomes a symbol of purity and a return to the essence, encouraging intimate and, in many ways, contemplative listening. Another distinctive element is the structure of the cycle: every three pieces there is a canon, like a Trinitarian breath that punctuates the entire work. Symbolism also permeates the musical and graphic writing: in the pages of the score, the melodic lines draw the cross, Mount Calvary (Golgotha) or the Ascension, making visible what the music evokes spiritually. The work uses the madrigalism of the ancients, transforming each element into a bridge between faith, art, and intellect.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson we have learned in our journey as classical musicians is that when an audition doesn’t go as you hoped or when you feel that your music is not really understood, you mustn’t give up. Every artist has their own voice: the secret is to focus on what you do best, without getting distracted by what others are doing. Each of us has unique strengths, and the path is never linear. If something doesn’t work, the only way forward is to try again, again, and again. That’s how you grow and find your place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imusicigemelli.com
- Youtube: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCr9X3_jO-xQXsaj9EZ4jkLQ?si=V-lPwkPLE9szqEZg
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/intl-it/artist/6aBalahuVWHFcE7ArLjODO?si=L0jq791lQcauoi1jtLC6bg
Image Credits
Michele Pesante and Luca De Michele
