Carlo Boccadoro (1963)

Introduction
Carlo Boccadoro is an Italian composer born in 1963. He was born in Macerata, Italy. He is not only a composer, but also a pianist. Boccadoro attended the Milan Conservatory. At the conservatory, he studied composition, piano, and percussion. He also studied jazz at school and was mentored by an Italian jazz musician named Giorgio Gaslini. Besides being very popular in Italy, Boccadoro's music is featured at several popular festivals in a variety of countries including Turkey, Spain, France, and the USA. His largest variety of compositions come from instrumental works but he has also composed opera previously. He is a co-founder of the organization "Sentieri Selvaggi". The goal of their organization is to help spread and publicize contemporary music. The organization puts on festivals and has their own ensemble to help complete their goal.

Works
Carlo Boccadoro composes chamber music, symphonies, and music for theater and dance. He also has collaborated on several compositions with Sentieri Selvaggi. Lastly, he has also written several novels about musical topics such as jazz.

- Midnight variations for piano

- Sonata no. 6 Op. 3 (Allegro moderato movement performed in Alba Music Festival on May 28th)

-Flory et Herba for soprano, saxophone, and piano

Comparisons
Although Boccadoro has composed works for many different instruments and forms, his compositions have a similar quality in that they are a certain type of intense. For example, in his Sonata for Viola and Piano the music feels abrupt and rushed which translates to a feeling of anxiety in the audience. This can also be seen in his Vaalbara for three pianos. In this piece, he uses dynamics to create intensity and urgency through music.

Observations
One piece I found to be particularly interesting of Boccadoro's is the piece Lunar. I found it to be interesting because it is so unlike the other pieces that I had researched on. this piece had a slow tempo, used a smooth and flowing melody, and quiet dynamics. Lunar features a harp, flute, clarinet, viola, cello, and percussion. The main difference I found between this piece and Boccadoro's other compositions is the lack of dissonance in the piece. Throughout his other works that I listened to, he used dissonance as a driving force when conveying emotion. In this piece, he used other elements to convey the solemn and peaceful emotion displayed.