Ildebrando Pizzetti

(1880-1968)
Italian composer, musicologist and music critic
Overview
● Born in Parma, Italy.
● He was part of the “Generation of
1880,” with Respighi and Malipiero.
● Pizzeti father was a pianist and
teacher.
● In 1896, he began his studies of
harmony and counterpoint at the
Music Institute of Parma under
Giovanni Tebaldini.
● Tebaldini helped Pizzeti’s interest in
early music.
● His interest in the early Italian music
affected his composition.
Overview
● He graduated in 1901
● Majored in composition and started
working at Parma Teatro Regio.
● He showed interest for literature and he
began to focus on theatrical dramas.
● He taught in Florence, Milan
Conservatory and Rome (Academy of
St. Cecilia).
● Pizzeti and poet/playwright Gabriele
d'Annunzio, had lifelong collaboration.
● Pizzeti wrote incidental music to his
plays, was highly influenced by his
neoclassicism.
● Opera Fedra
Piano Trio in La (1925)
● Piano Trio
● Mosso and Arioso-Largo-Rapsodia di settembre: calmo and contemplative
● Pizzeti had moved to Milan as a director of the Conservatory.
● He embarked on a town of 30 Italian cities with Arriago Serato and Enrico Mainardi
presenting and program with Violin sonata, cello sonata, Tre canti and Trio in La
● Trio was commissioned to Elizabeth Sprague-Coolidge
● Premiered in 1925 in Paris in Coolidge festival with George Enescu on violin, Hans
Krdler on cello and Pizzeti on piano.
● The trio represents a serene aspect of his music.
● 1st Movement: After opening chord which establishes the basic key, harmony stays with
no surprises. 3 instruments introduce themes. Piano has role of sustainer and harmonic
and modal. Violin and cello use timbres and colours.
● 2nd Movement: Sonorities.
● 3rd Movement: Beautiful medley of folk-like songs.