Dallapiccola

Luigi Dallapiccola was an Italian composer born in Pisino, Istria (then part of Austria-Hungary, now Croatia) in 1904. He is considered one of the most significant Italian composers of the 20th century, known for his distinctive approach to atonality and twelve-tone technique. His music often explores themes of morality, spirituality, and the human condition.

Dallapiccola studied at the Conservatory of Music in Florence, where he later became a professor. His early compositions were influenced by Italian folk music and Neoclassicism. However, after World War II, he increasingly adopted twelve-tone techniques, though he adapted them in a highly personal and lyrical manner, avoiding the strictness of some of his contemporaries.

His output includes operas, orchestral works, choral music, and chamber pieces. Notable works include the opera "Volo di notte" (Night Flight), "Canti di prigionia" (Songs of Imprisonment), and "Ulisse." His opera "Il prigioniero" (The Prisoner) is particularly renowned for its intense psychological drama and its exploration of freedom and oppression.

Dallapiccola's music is characterized by its clarity, emotional depth, and intellectual rigor. He was also a respected teacher and lecturer, influencing many younger composers. He passed away in Florence in 1975.