Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1926

Death

:

1980

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Franco Evangelisti was an Italian composer and pianist who was born on September 21, 1926, in Rome, Italy. He was one of the most prominent figures in the Italian avant-garde music scene during the 1950s and 1960s. Evangelisti was known for his experimental approach to music composition, which often involved the use of unconventional techniques and instruments. Evangelisti's interest in music began at a young age, and he started taking piano lessons when he was just six years old. He continued his musical education at the Conservatorio di Santa Cecilia in Rome, where he studied composition with Goffredo Petrassi and piano with Carlo Zecchi. After completing his studies, Evangelisti began working as a pianist and composer, performing in concerts and collaborating with other musicians. In the early 1950s, Evangelisti became involved with the Gruppo di Improvvisazione Nuova Consonanza (GINC), a collective of musicians who were interested in exploring new forms of music. The group was founded by Evangelisti, along with other composers such as Ennio Morricone, Mario Bertoncini, and Walter Branchi. GINC was known for their experimental approach to music, which often involved improvisation and the use of unconventional instruments. Evangelisti's early works were heavily influenced by the music of Arnold Schoenberg and the Second Viennese School. However, he soon began to develop his own unique style, which was characterized by the use of extended techniques and unconventional sounds. One of his most famous works from this period is "Die Schachtel," which was composed in 1959. The piece is a graphic score, which means that it is notated using visual symbols rather than traditional musical notation. The performers are instructed to create sounds using a variety of objects, including paper, metal, and wood. In the 1960s, Evangelisti began to incorporate electronic music into his compositions. He was particularly interested in the use of tape recorders and other electronic devices to manipulate sounds. One of his most famous works from this period is "Tagli," which was composed in 1962. The piece is a tape composition, which means that it was created by manipulating recorded sounds. The sounds used in the piece include electronic tones, natural sounds, and human voices. Evangelisti's later works continued to explore new forms of music, including the use of live electronics and computer-generated sounds. One of his most famous works from this period is "Proiezioni Sonore," which was composed in 1972. The piece is a live electronic composition, which means that it is performed using electronic instruments and devices. The performers are instructed to manipulate the sounds in real-time, creating a constantly evolving sonic landscape. Throughout his career, Evangelisti was known for his commitment to experimental music and his willingness to push the boundaries of traditional composition. He was also a respected teacher, and he taught composition at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome from 1963 until his death in 1980. In conclusion, Franco Evangelisti was a pioneering composer and pianist who played a significant role in the development of avant-garde music in Italy. His experimental approach to music composition, which often involved the use of unconventional techniques and instruments, has had a lasting impact on the world of contemporary music.

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