Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Italy

Birth

:

January 28, 1898 in Alexandria, Egypt

Death

:

February 19, 1994 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Symphony

 

Vittorio Rieti was an Italian-American composer who was born on January 28, 1898, in Alexandria, Egypt. His parents were Italian Jews who had emigrated from Italy to Egypt. Rieti's father was a successful businessman, and his mother was a pianist who had studied with Franz Liszt. Rieti showed an early interest in music and began studying the piano at a young age. In 1914, Rieti moved to Milan to study music at the Conservatory of Milan. He studied composition with Ildebrando Pizzetti and Giacomo Orefice and piano with Giovanni Anfossi. Rieti was a talented student and won several awards for his compositions while at the conservatory. After completing his studies in Milan, Rieti moved to Paris in 1920 to continue his musical education. He studied with Nadia Boulanger, who was one of the most influential music teachers of the 20th century. Boulanger recognized Rieti's talent and encouraged him to pursue a career as a composer. In Paris, Rieti became part of a group of composers known as Les Six. This group included composers such as Darius Milhaud, Francis Poulenc, and Arthur Honegger. Les Six were known for their rejection of the romanticism of the past and their embrace of new musical styles, such as jazz and neoclassicism. Rieti's early compositions were influenced by the neoclassical style of Les Six. His music was characterized by its clarity, simplicity, and elegance. Rieti's compositions were also influenced by his Jewish heritage, and he often incorporated Jewish themes and melodies into his music. One of Rieti's most famous works is his ballet La Sonnambula, which was premiered in Paris in 1928. The ballet was based on the story of a sleepwalker and was choreographed by George Balanchine. La Sonnambula was a critical and commercial success and helped establish Rieti's reputation as a composer. In 1939, Rieti moved to the United States and settled in New York City. He became an American citizen in 1944. Rieti continued to compose music in the neoclassical style, but his music also began to incorporate elements of American popular music, such as jazz and blues. One of Rieti's most famous American works is his ballet The Tempest, which was premiered in New York City in 1940. The ballet was based on William Shakespeare's play of the same name and was choreographed by Antony Tudor. The Tempest was a critical success and helped establish Rieti as a composer in the United States. Rieti continued to compose music throughout his life and was a prolific composer. He wrote music for a variety of genres, including ballets, operas, chamber music, and orchestral works. Rieti's music was characterized by its clarity, elegance, and simplicity. Rieti died on February 2, 1994, in New York City at the age of 96. He was survived by his wife, the pianist and composer Louise Talma. Rieti's legacy as a composer continues to be celebrated today, and his music is still performed and recorded by musicians around the world.

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