Musette "Luci E Ombre" and composer Paolo Pizzigoni ...

[brna]

I couldn't find a single piece of information about Paolo Pizzigoni anywhere.
When did Paolo Pizzigoni live? When did he write his famous composition Luci E Ombre?
If anyone can tell me more, I'd really appreciate it.
On YouTube found that he composed it not after 1954

 

[JerryPH]

One of our own members here does a lovely rendition of that beautiful tune:

 

[Dingo40]

As a duo:

 

[Jaime_Dergut]

I couldn't find any information of him either.

No wiki article or anything. It is just this song that is linked to him. Really bizarre.

 

[brna]

I couldn't find any information of him either.

No wiki article or anything. It is just this song that is linked to him. Really bizarre.

It is always interesting to me to know something about the author and the origin of the song. If nothing else, at least the year of creation for copyright reasons, and when celebrating birthdays, the year also comes in handy . And the audience is also happy to listen to the explanation of the context. I've started learning this song, and I'm gathering information, but so far I don't have anything ...

A few years ago I learned to play scottish folk song Tam Lin (reel), gathered information about the context of this ballad and even watched an old english movie about the balad with Ava Gardner and Ian McShane in main roles (1970, a bit strange today). Here is nice Tam Lin version by Paul Young:

 

[Jaime_Dergut]

A few years ago I learned to play scottish folk song Tam Lin (reel), gathered information about the context of this ballad and even watched an old english movie about the balad with Ava Gardner and Ian McShane in main roles (1970, a bit strange today). Here is nice Tam Lin version by Paul Young:

I remember that song. It was one of the songs that some artists from the liberty bellow stores taught on one tutorial.


I wonder what happened to Pizzigoni. Did he ever wrote more songs? Interesting.

 

[brna]

Obviously, it will be necessary to wait until some older connoisseur of Italian accordion music sheds light on Pizzigoni - so that Pizzigoni will no longer hide in the shadows.

 

[OuijaBoard]

Perhaps one or both of these characters would know. They're certainly tearing it up in fine style here on another classic fisa valzer, "Meraviglioso" by Tiberio Marani:

 

[OuijaBoard]

I'm seeing "Luci e Ombre" described as a "Valse-Musette" here and there. So who knows, maybe it comes from the French/Paris musette side rather than the Italian valzer side. Musette was a fusion produced by Italian laborers and Belgian gypsies in the poor banlieux of Paris, maybe it comes from the French side. There are Italian surnames on some of the musette classics, such as Joseph Colombo or Tony Murena. Perhaps Paolo Pizzigoni composed a musette waltz. It could also be something written later "in the style of," like some of the Diero compositions.

 

[brna]

Perhaps one or both of these characters would know. They're certainly tearing it up in fine style here on another classic fisa valzer, "Meraviglioso" by Tiberio Marani:

Ouija, thank you for the help. I contacted these two accordion players who provided me with further contacts.
So far, the copyright is confirmed to date back to 1954.

 

[jfeagans]

Chatgtp says this about the composer:

Paolo Pizzigoni (1921–1991) was an Italian composer and accordionist known for his contributions to the accordion repertoire in the mid-20th century. Here’s a brief overview of his life and career:

Early Life and Education​

• Born: September 20, 1921, in Italy.
• Education: Pizzigoni studied music at the Milan Conservatory, focusing on accordion and composition.

Career​

• Accordionist: Pizzigoni was a skilled accordionist, and his performances and compositions helped shape the modern repertoire for the instrument.
• Composer: He is best known for his compositions for accordion, which often reflect a blend of traditional and contemporary influences. His work from the 1950s, including Luci e Ombre, is particularly noted for its innovative approach to accordion music.

Notable Works​

• Luci e Ombre (1954) is one of his significant compositions, showcasing his ability to blend expressive melodies with intricate accordion techniques.
• His music often features rich harmonic textures and rhythmic complexity, making his compositions popular among accordionists.

Legacy​

Paolo Pizzigoni's contributions have been influential in the development of accordion music, particularly in the mid-20th century. His compositions continue to be performed and studied by accordionists around the world.

Pizzigoni passed away on December 12, 1991, leaving behind a legacy of innovative and expressive accordion music

 

[jfeagans]

Now for the bonus question. I found and play Luci e ombre, but are there repositories for Pizzigonis other works?

Here is what Chat GTP said about other works:

Paolo Pizzigoni's works for accordion include a range of compositions that showcase his skill in writing for the instrument. Besides Luci e Ombre, here are a few more of his notable accordion compositions:

"Ritmi di Festa" – A lively and rhythmic piece reflecting Pizzigoni’s ability to incorporate dance elements into his music.
"Contrasti" – This work explores contrasting moods and textures, demonstrating his versatility as a composer.
"Fantasia" – A composition that allows for expressive and virtuosic performance, highlighting the accordion’s range.
"Impressioni" – Known for its evocative and impressionistic style, this piece reflects Pizzigoni’s ability to create atmospheric and color-rich music.
"Studio" – Often used as a technical exercise, this piece is designed to develop the player’s skills while also being musically engaging.
Pizzigoni's works are often characterized by their innovative use of the accordion, blending traditional elements with modern techniques. His compositions are valued for their technical demands and expressive qualities, making them important contributions to the accordion repertoire.

There is also a Youtube video for A Rompicolo attributed to Pizzigoni.

 

[jfeagans]

Ouija, thank you for the help. I contacted these two accordion players who provided me with further contacts.
So far, the copyright is confirmed to date back to 1954.

Sounds like they are playing "Volo Degli Angeli" (Flight of the Angels) by Carmen Caroza. One of my many favorites. Did any of the contacts that Cory gave to you lead to more information?

 

[brna]

... Did any of the contacts that Cory gave to you lead to more information?

I contacted three accordion players and got information that sheet music for Luci E Ombre has a copyright date of 1954.
That was the only information, but it was enough for me.

However, I am very grateful for your two surveys using the ChatGPT tool. Although sometimes ChatGPT comes up with something of its own, in this case it looks convincing. It must have found Picigoni's birth years and description in some document. Thank you.