Augusto Gentile

Full biography Augusto Gentile

Augusto Gentile was an Italian composer born on March 25, 1909, in Giugliano in Campania, Italy. He studied composition and piano at the Conservatorio di San Pietro a Maiella in Naples, where he later became a professor of composition. He was a prolific composer, writing music for orchestras, ballets, chamber ensembles, and operas.

Gentile's compositions were often influenced by Italian folk music, featuring rhythmic complexity and unconventional harmonies. He was also drawn to the works of composers like Gustav Mahler, Igor Stravinsky, and Béla Bartók, and incorporated elements of their styles into his own music.

Gentile was particularly interested in writing music for the theater, and his operatic works, in particular, were well-received. His operas, including "La festa degli angeli" and "A che servono gli uomini?", were performed across Italy and won several awards.

In addition to his work as a composer, Gentile was also a respected music educator. He taught composition at the Conservatorio di San Pietro a Maiella for many years and was a mentor to numerous young composers.

Gentile passed away on July 26, 1966, in Naples, leaving behind a rich legacy of innovative and diverse musical compositions. His works are still celebrated today for their emotional depth, rhythmic complexity, and unique blend of traditional and contemporary musical elements.