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Orazio Sciortino was an Italian composer born on January 16, 1916, in Palermo, Sicily. He was the youngest of six children and grew up in a family that was passionate about music. His father, a lawyer, was an amateur pianist, and his mother was a singer. Sciortino's siblings were also musically inclined, with his brother Giuseppe becoming a renowned conductor. Sciortino began his musical education at a young age, studying piano and composition with his father. He later studied at the Conservatory of Palermo, where he was a student of Vittorio Rieti. After completing his studies, he worked as a pianist and conductor in various theaters in Italy. In 1940, Sciortino was drafted into the Italian army and served in World War II. During his time in the army, he continued to compose music and even wrote a symphony. After the war, he returned to Palermo and resumed his career as a composer. Sciortino's music was heavily influenced by his Sicilian heritage, and he often incorporated folk melodies and rhythms into his compositions. He was also influenced by the music of Stravinsky, Bartok, and Hindemith. One of Sciortino's most famous works is his "Sinfonia in Re," which he composed in 1950. The piece is a tribute to the city of Palermo and features a mix of traditional Sicilian melodies and modernist harmonies. The "Sinfonia in Re" was premiered in Palermo in 1951 and was well-received by both audiences and critics. In addition to his symphonic works, Sciortino also composed chamber music, including several string quartets. His "String Quartet No. 2" is particularly notable for its use of Sicilian folk melodies. Sciortino's music was performed by many of the leading orchestras and ensembles of his time, including the Orchestra Sinfonica di Roma, the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano, and the Quartetto Italiano. He also taught composition at the Conservatory of Palermo and mentored several young composers. Sciortino continued to compose music until his death on December 22, 1994. His legacy as a composer and educator lives on, and his music continues to be performed and recorded today.

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