Dallapiccola, Luigi, 1904-1975

Luigi Dallapiccola, an Italian composer, wrote Rencesvals, a piece for voice and piano based on three fragments of La Chanson de Roland, for French baritone Pierre Bernac.

Italian composer.

Luigi Dallapiccola was born in Pisino d'Istria, Italy (now Pazin, Istra, Croatia) on Feb. 3, 1904. During his youth, he gained diplomas in both piano and composition from the Cherubini Conservatory in Florence. He began his career as a piano teacher at the conservatory, where he remained until his retirement in 1967. He also taught music courses at several American colleges and summer music programs. As a composer, Dallapiccola was greatly influenced by the music of the 2nd Viennese School, evident in his use of serial methods. His output encompassed dramatic works (operas and ballet) as well as choral, solo vocal, and instrumental compositions. Several of his vocal works were considered to be "protest pieces," relating to his continued concern with the political situations of his time. Dallapiccola died in Florence, on Feb. 19, 1975.

Margaret (Peggie) Dwight is an American artist currently living in Paris. She had a correspondence with Dallapiccola from the time she met him at Tanglewood in 1951 where she was a student, until his death in 1975.

Biographical Sketch

Luigi Dallapiccola was born in Italy on February 3, 1904. During his youth, Dallapiccola gained diplomas in both piano and composition from the Cherubini Conservatory in Florence. He began his career as a piano teacher at the Conservatory, where he remained until his retirement in 1967. He also taught music courses at several American colleges and summer music programs.

As a composer, Dallapiccola was greatly influenced by the music of the 2nd Viennese School, evident in his use of serial methods. His output encompassed dramatic works (operas and ballet) as well as choral, solo vocal and instrumental compositions. Several of his vocal works were considered to be "protest pieces," relating to his ever-present concern with the political situations of his time.

Margaret (Peggie) Dwight is an American artist currently living in Paris. She had a correspondence with Dallapiccola from the time she met him at Tanglewood in 1951 where she was a student, until his death in 1975.

Epithet: composer