Role

:

Composer Conductor Performer

Birth

:

May 28, 1940 in Englewood, NJ

Death

:

October 19, 2013

Genre

:

Chamber

 

John Bergamo was an American composer and percussionist who was born on June 28, 1940, in Newark, New Jersey. He grew up in a musical family, with his father playing the accordion and his mother singing in the church choir. Bergamo began playing the drums at a young age and was soon drawn to the world of percussion. Bergamo attended the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied percussion with Saul Goodman and Morris Goldenberg. He later earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the California Institute of the Arts. Bergamo's career as a composer and performer spanned over four decades. He was a founding member of the percussion ensemble, the California E.A.R. Unit, and performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the San Francisco Symphony, and the New York Philharmonic, among others. Bergamo's compositions were heavily influenced by his interest in world music and his travels to Africa, Asia, and South America. He was particularly drawn to the rhythms and sounds of the Balinese gamelan, and his works often incorporated elements of this music. One of Bergamo's most well-known works is "Papa's Blues," a piece for solo marimba that was inspired by the music of blues guitarist Robert Johnson. The piece features complex rhythms and intricate melodic lines, and has become a staple of the marimba repertoire. Another notable work by Bergamo is "Luminous Spirals," a piece for percussion ensemble that was commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The piece features a variety of percussion instruments, including marimbas, vibraphones, and gongs, and explores the interplay between rhythm and melody. Bergamo's interest in world music is also evident in his piece "African Sunrise," which features a combination of African and Western instruments, including djembe drums, congas, and marimbas. The piece was inspired by Bergamo's travels to Africa and his experiences studying with African drummers. In addition to his work as a composer, Bergamo was also a dedicated teacher and mentor. He taught at the California Institute of the Arts for over 30 years, and his students included a number of prominent percussionists and composers. Bergamo passed away on July 20, 2013, at the age of 73. His legacy as a composer and performer continues to inspire musicians around the world, and his works remain an important part of the percussion repertoire.

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