Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1931 in Hamrun, Malta

Death

:

January 3, 2009

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

Charles Camilleri was a Maltese composer who was born on September 7, 1931, in Hamrun, Malta. He was the youngest of six children and grew up in a musical family. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Camilleri started playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Camilleri's musical education began at the age of nine when he started taking piano lessons with his mother. He later studied at the Malta School of Music, where he learned to play the violin, clarinet, and saxophone. He also studied composition with Joseph Vella and earned a diploma in composition from the Royal Schools of Music in London. Camilleri's early works were influenced by Maltese folk music and the Mediterranean culture. He was also inspired by the works of composers such as Bartok, Stravinsky, and Messiaen. His first major work was the Maltese Dances, which he composed in 1953. The piece was a collection of folk dances from Malta, and it showcased Camilleri's unique style that blended traditional Maltese music with modern classical music. In 1954, Camilleri moved to London to study at the Royal Academy of Music. He continued to compose during his time in London and wrote several works that were performed in concerts and festivals. In 1957, he won the Royal Philharmonic Society Prize for his composition, Concertino for Piano and Orchestra. Camilleri returned to Malta in 1958 and became the director of the Malta School of Music. He held this position for 25 years and was instrumental in developing the school's curriculum and expanding its facilities. During this time, he continued to compose and wrote several works that were performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world. One of Camilleri's most famous works is the Malta Suite, which he composed in 1968. The piece is a tribute to the island of Malta and its history, culture, and people. It is a collection of six movements that showcase Camilleri's unique style and his ability to blend different musical genres and traditions. Camilleri's music was not limited to classical music. He was also interested in jazz and wrote several works that blended jazz and classical music. One of his most famous jazz works is the Jazz Suite, which he composed in 1973. The piece is a collection of jazz-inspired movements that showcase Camilleri's versatility as a composer. Camilleri's music was also influenced by his travels around the world. He visited several countries, including India, Japan, and the United States, and was inspired by the different cultures and musical traditions he encountered. His travels inspired several of his works, including the Indian Suite, which he composed in 1980. Camilleri continued to compose until his death in 2009. He wrote over 200 works, including orchestral works, chamber music, operas, and ballets. His music was performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, and he was recognized as one of Malta's most important composers. In conclusion, Charles Camilleri was a Maltese composer who was born in 1931 and died in 2009. He was a prolific composer who wrote over 200 works, including orchestral works, chamber music, operas, and ballets. His music was influenced by Maltese folk music, Mediterranean culture, and the works of composers such as Bartok, Stravinsky, and Messiaen. He was also interested in jazz and wrote several works that blended jazz and classical music.

More....