Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Italy

Birth

:

January 25, 1906 in Pescara, Italy

Death

:

November 9, 1995

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Film

 

 

Vocal

 

Alessandro Cicognini was an Italian composer who was born on January 15, 1906, in Pescara, Italy. He was the son of a musician and grew up in a family that was deeply involved in music. His father, Giuseppe Cicognini, was a composer and conductor, and his mother, Maria Luisa, was a singer. Alessandro showed an early interest in music and began studying the piano at a young age. Cicognini's musical education began at the Conservatory of Santa Cecilia in Rome, where he studied composition with Ildebrando Pizzetti and piano with Alfredo Casella. He graduated in 1926 and began his career as a composer. His early works were influenced by the neoclassical style of Stravinsky and the Italian opera tradition. Cicognini's breakthrough came in 1934 when he was commissioned to write the music for the film "Teresa Confalonieri." The film was a success, and Cicognini's music received critical acclaim. He went on to compose music for over 200 films, including some of the most famous Italian films of the 20th century, such as "La Dolce Vita," "Bicycle Thieves," and "Umberto D." Cicognini's music for films was characterized by its melodic and lyrical qualities. He was able to capture the emotions of the characters and the mood of the scenes with his music. His music was often described as "romantic" and "nostalgic," and it was a perfect match for the Italian neorealist films of the 1940s and 1950s. In addition to his work in film, Cicognini also composed music for the theater and the concert hall. He wrote several operas, including "La Celestina," which premiered in 1947, and "La Fiera di San Giuliano," which premiered in 1953. He also wrote several ballets, including "La Danza delle Ore," which was choreographed by George Balanchine and premiered in 1953. Cicognini's music was recognized with several awards and honors throughout his career. He won the Silver Ribbon for Best Score for "La Dolce Vita" in 1960 and the David di Donatello Award for Best Score for "Il Posto" in 1961. He was also awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 1967. Cicognini continued to compose music until his death on November 9, 1995, in Rome, Italy. His music remains popular today and is still performed in concert halls and theaters around the world. His legacy as one of the most important Italian composers of the 20th century is secure.

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