Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

January 31, 1949 in London, England

Genre

:

Film

 

 

Orchestral

 

Frank Ricotti is a renowned British percussionist, composer, and arranger who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on February 13, 1949, in London, Ricotti grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from an early age. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer, which influenced his musical journey. Ricotti started playing the drums at the age of six and later switched to percussion. He attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied percussion and composition. After completing his studies, he began his career as a session musician, playing on numerous recordings for various artists. In the 1970s, Ricotti became a member of the jazz-rock band If, which was known for its fusion of jazz, rock, and classical music. He played percussion on several of the band's albums, including "If 4" and "Not Just Another Bunch of Pretty Faces." Ricotti's unique style of playing and his ability to blend different genres of music made him a sought-after musician in the industry. In addition to his work with If, Ricotti also played with other notable artists, including Elton John, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison. He also worked on film scores, including "The Spy Who Loved Me" and "Moonraker," both of which were James Bond films. Ricotti's talent as a composer and arranger was also recognized, and he began to receive commissions to write music for various ensembles. He composed music for the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, among others. One of Ricotti's most significant achievements was his collaboration with the composer Andrew Lloyd Webber on the musical "Cats." Ricotti played percussion on the original London production of the show, which premiered in 1981. The musical went on to become one of the most successful productions in the history of the West End and Broadway. Ricotti's work on "Cats" earned him critical acclaim, and he was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Orchestrations in 1983. He also won a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Orchestrations for the show in the same year. In addition to his work on "Cats," Ricotti continued to compose and arrange music for various ensembles. He wrote music for the London Symphony Orchestra's "Classic Rock" album, which featured orchestral arrangements of popular rock songs. He also composed music for the BBC's "The Natural World" series and the film "The Krays." Ricotti's versatility as a musician and his ability to play a wide range of percussion instruments made him a sought-after performer and collaborator. He played on numerous recordings for artists in various genres, including classical, jazz, and rock. He also worked with dance companies, including the Royal Ballet and the London Contemporary Dance Theatre. Throughout his career, Ricotti has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the world of music. In addition to his Tony and Drama Desk Awards, he has won several Ivor Novello Awards for his work as a composer and arranger. He was also awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2010 for his services to music. Today, Ricotti continues to perform and record music, and his contributions to the world of classical music have left a lasting impact. His unique style of playing and his ability to blend different genres of music have made him one of the most respected percussionists of his generation.

More....