Composer

:

Giovanni Sollima

Average_duration

:

6:15

'Aquilarco #5 Leonardo's Ornithopterus' is a contemporary classical composition by Italian composer Giovanni Sollima. The piece was composed in 2019 and premiered on October 26th of the same year at the Teatro Massimo in Palermo, Italy. The composition is divided into three movements, each of which is inspired by the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci. The first movement, titled "Leonardo's Ornithopterus," is a tribute to da Vinci's fascination with flight and his design for a flying machine that mimics the movement of a bird's wings. The music is characterized by soaring melodies and intricate rhythms that evoke the sensation of flight. The second movement, "Leonardo's Vitruvian Man," is inspired by da Vinci's famous drawing of a man with outstretched arms and legs, inscribed within a circle and a square. The music is built around a repeating motif that gradually expands and contracts, creating a sense of balance and symmetry. The final movement, "Leonardo's Last Supper," is a meditation on da Vinci's iconic painting of the same name. The music is somber and reflective, with a sense of melancholy that reflects the solemnity of the scene. Throughout the composition, Sollima's use of instrumentation is particularly noteworthy. The piece is scored for a string orchestra, but also includes a solo cello and percussion. The percussion is used sparingly, but adds a layer of texture and depth to the music, particularly in the first movement. The solo cello is also a prominent feature, with virtuosic passages that showcase the instrument's range and expressiveness. Overall, 'Aquilarco #5 Leonardo's Ornithopterus' is a powerful and evocative composition that pays tribute to one of history's greatest minds. Sollima's use of melody, rhythm, and instrumentation creates a rich and immersive musical experience that captures the spirit of da Vinci's work.

More....