Vittorio Rieti

Full biography Vittorio Rieti

Vittorio Rieti was a prolific Jewish-Italian-American composer, born on January 28, 1898, in Alexandria, Egypt, and died on February 19, 1994. He studied music in Milan under renowned composers Ottorino Respighi and Alfredo Casella. Over his long career, which spanned eight decades, Rieti wrote music for more than a dozen ballets, seven operas , five symphonies, several concertos, and numerous other works.

Rieti's music was known for its neo-classical style, characterized by its use of simple melodies, transparent textures, and a combination of traditional forms with modern harmonies. He continued to write in this style throughout his life, long after most composers had abandoned or transformed the style.

Rieti's music was not always widely performed during his lifetime but was recognized by critics and other composers as highly innovative and original. He was an adherent of the Italian Futurism movement and was associated with some of the leading artists of his generation.

Some of Rieti's most notable works include the ballets "Barabau," "L'eventail de Jeanne," and "Night Shadow"; the operas "The Blade," "Tamerlano," and "Sophie Arnould"; and his five symphonies. He also wrote works for solo piano, including a Prelude Sonata Poema Fiesolano, which has become a standard of the piano repertoire.

Overall, Vittorio Rieti was a highly influential composer who was not afraid to push boundaries and experiment with new musical ideas. His legacy lives on through his many compositions, which continue to be performed and studied today.