Mezzogiorno

Oscar Bianchi, program note — revised 16 June 2011

Composed of multiple sections and influenced by the nature of its own instrumentation, Mezzogiorno offers a dialogue between two different sound worlds: the one of traditional and modern classical music, most often defined by instrumental families such as strings or woodwinds, and the one of non-classical music, recognized often by the electrification of its instruments such as electric guitar, electric bass, synthesizer or electronics.

Searching for an ideal place, far from semantic pressure and from those qualities that normally define a genre or a style, Mezzogiorno brings homage to life forces, the middle of the day (mezzo-giorno) where the sun is high and the perception and the perspective of the day is wide and vibrant.

Mezzogiorno is dedicated to the memory of my old and inspirational friend Fausto Romitelli.

Premiere

World premiere: 8 March 2005, IRCAM Centre Pompidou, Paris — Ensemble l’Itinéraire, Marc Foster.

Earlier version: Alba, frammenti di luce, premiered by Ensemble Icarus, conducted by Giorgio Bernasconi.