Born: 1904, Pisino d'Istria

Died: 1975, Florence, Italy

"I wanted to protest, but I wasn't so naive as not to know that in a totalitarian state the individual is powerless. Only in music could I express my indignation."

The political persecution of Dallapiccola's family in World Wars I and II would have a significant impact on his compositional habits throughout his life, with his pieces often evoking a "mood of impassioned protest" and calling for universal liberty. Counting such influences as Mozart, Wagner, and Debussy in his early studies, his music became known for its warm and lyrical qualities. As a result of his admiration for the works of Anton Webern, his style shifted toward that of Schoenberg's 12-tone serialism. He is credited with being the first Italian composer to champion the method.

Further listening:

Canti di prigionia (1938-1941)

Swedish Radio Orchestra and Swedish Radio Choir,

Esa-Pekka Salonen (Sony Classical)

Ulisse (1960-1968)

Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France,

Ernest Bour (Valois)

09/07