Ludovico Einaudi
Encyclopedia
Ludovico Einaudi OMRI
(ludoˈviːko eiˈnaudi) (born 23 November 1955 in Turin
, Piedmont) is an Italian contemporary music composer and pianist.
, Italy, Einaudi's mother played to him on the piano as a child. He began his musical training at the Conservatorio Verdi
in Milan, gaining a diploma in composition in 1982. That same year, he studied with Luciano Berio
and gained a scholarship to the Tanglewood Music Festival
.
After studying at the Conservatory in Milan, and subsequently with Berio, he spent several years composing in traditional forms. In the mid-1980s he began to search for a more personal expression in a series of works for dance and multimedia
, and later for piano. His music is ambient
, meditative and often introspective, drawing on minimalism
, world music
, and contemporary pop. He has made a significant impact in the film world, with four international awards to his name.
His father was Giulio Einaudi
, a publisher, and his grandfather, Luigi Einaudi
, was President of the Italian Republic
between 1948 and 1955. He currently resides on a vineyard
in the Italian region of Piedmont.
Although Einaudi would prefer not to be labeled as any particular type of genre
, he is sometimes referred to as a Minimalist
.
However, Einaudi's style differs from those of the Minimalism movement, and this attribution is likely more due to his work's sparse orchestration and simple melodies.
Einaudi's own words on the matter reflect this viewpoint, with Einaudi referring to Minimalism as "elegance and openness", despite its more formal definition as a musical movement to which he arguably does not belong.
Einaudi is signed to Sony Music Entertainment
's classical music division, Sony Classical.
Einaudi's Nuvole Bianche was featured in the film Insidious (2010) directed by James Wan
His Fly was recently featured in a french success movie Intouchables (2011) directed by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano
In June 2011, BBC Radio 1 Presenter Greg James started a campaign to get I Giorni in the top 40 singles chart. He mentioned that he found the piece therapeutic when he was studying in University. The first plays of the song got a phenomenal response from listeners which led to the song appearing in the charts.
Numerous episodes of the BBC's Top Gear
Omri
Omri was a king of Israel, successful military campaigner and first in the line of Omride kings that included Ahab, Ahaziah and Joram.He was "commander of the army" of king Elah when Zimri murdered Elah and made himself king. Instead, the troops at Gibbethon chose Omri as king, and he led them to...
(ludoˈviːko eiˈnaudi) (born 23 November 1955 in Turin
Turin
Turin is a city and major business and cultural centre in northern Italy, capital of the Piedmont region, located mainly on the left bank of the Po River and surrounded by the Alpine arch. The population of the city proper is 909,193 while the population of the urban area is estimated by Eurostat...
, Piedmont) is an Italian contemporary music composer and pianist.
Biography
Born in TurinTurin
Turin is a city and major business and cultural centre in northern Italy, capital of the Piedmont region, located mainly on the left bank of the Po River and surrounded by the Alpine arch. The population of the city proper is 909,193 while the population of the urban area is estimated by Eurostat...
, Italy, Einaudi's mother played to him on the piano as a child. He began his musical training at the Conservatorio Verdi
Milan Conservatory
The Milan Conservatory is a college of music which was established by a royal decree of 1807 in Milan, capital of the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy. It opened the following year with premises in the cloisters of the Baroque church of Santa Maria della Passione. There were initially 18 boarders,...
in Milan, gaining a diploma in composition in 1982. That same year, he studied with Luciano Berio
Luciano Berio
Luciano Berio, Cavaliere di Gran Croce OMRI was an Italian composer. He is noted for his experimental work and also for his pioneering work in electronic music.-Biography:Berio was born at Oneglia Luciano Berio, Cavaliere di Gran Croce OMRI (October 24, 1925 – May 27, 2003) was an Italian...
and gained a scholarship to the Tanglewood Music Festival
Tanglewood Music Festival
The Tanglewood Music Festival is a music festival held every summer on the Tanglewood estate in Lenox, Massachusetts in the Berkshire Hills in western Massachusetts....
.
After studying at the Conservatory in Milan, and subsequently with Berio, he spent several years composing in traditional forms. In the mid-1980s he began to search for a more personal expression in a series of works for dance and multimedia
Multimedia
Multimedia is media and content that uses a combination of different content forms. The term can be used as a noun or as an adjective describing a medium as having multiple content forms. The term is used in contrast to media which use only rudimentary computer display such as text-only, or...
, and later for piano. His music is ambient
Ambient music
Ambient music is a musical genre that focuses largely on the timbral characteristics of sounds, often organized or performed to evoke an "atmospheric", "visual" or "unobtrusive" quality.- History :...
, meditative and often introspective, drawing on minimalism
Minimalism
Minimalism describes movements in various forms of art and design, especially visual art and music, where the work is set out to expose the essence, essentials or identity of a subject through eliminating all non-essential forms, features or concepts...
, world music
World music
World music is a term with widely varying definitions, often encompassing music which is primarily identified as another genre. This is evidenced by world music definitions such as "all of the music in the world" or "somebody else's local music"...
, and contemporary pop. He has made a significant impact in the film world, with four international awards to his name.
His father was Giulio Einaudi
Giulio Einaudi
Giulio Einaudi was one of the most important publishers in Italian history.-Biography:Giulio Einaudi was born in Dogliani in 1912, the son of Luigi Einaudi, future president of the Italian Republic, and his wife Ida.He attended the Massimo d'Azeglio liceo classico, and became a student of noted...
, a publisher, and his grandfather, Luigi Einaudi
Luigi Einaudi
Luigi Einaudi , Cavaliere di Gran Croce decorato di Gran Cordone OMRI was an Italian politician and economist. He served as the second President of the Italian Republic between 1948 and 1955.-Early life:...
, was President of the Italian Republic
President of the Italian Republic
The President of the Italian Republic is the head of state of Italy and, as such, is intended to represent national unity and guarantee that Italian politics comply with the Constitution. The president's term of office lasts for seven years....
between 1948 and 1955. He currently resides on a vineyard
Vineyard
A vineyard is a plantation of grape-bearing vines, grown mainly for winemaking, but also raisins, table grapes and non-alcoholic grape juice...
in the Italian region of Piedmont.
Music
| "In general I don't like definitions, but 'Minimalist' is a term that means elegance and openness, so I would prefer to be called a Minimalist than something else." |
| Ludovico Einaudi |
Although Einaudi would prefer not to be labeled as any particular type of genre
Genre
Genre , Greek: genos, γένος) is the term for any category of literature or other forms of art or culture, e.g. music, and in general, any type of discourse, whether written or spoken, audial or visual, based on some set of stylistic criteria. Genres are formed by conventions that change over time...
, he is sometimes referred to as a Minimalist
Minimalist music
Minimal music is a style of music associated with the work of American composers La Monte Young, Terry Riley, Steve Reich, and Philip Glass. It originated in the New York Downtown scene of the 1960s and was initially viewed as a form of experimental music called the New York Hypnotic School....
.
However, Einaudi's style differs from those of the Minimalism movement, and this attribution is likely more due to his work's sparse orchestration and simple melodies.
Einaudi's own words on the matter reflect this viewpoint, with Einaudi referring to Minimalism as "elegance and openness", despite its more formal definition as a musical movement to which he arguably does not belong.
Einaudi is signed to Sony Music Entertainment
Sony Music Entertainment
Sony Music Entertainment ' is the second-largest global recorded music company of the "big four" record companies and is controlled by Sony Corporation of America, the United States subsidiary of Japan's Sony Corporation....
's classical music division, Sony Classical.
Einaudi's Nuvole Bianche was featured in the film Insidious (2010) directed by James Wan
His Fly was recently featured in a french success movie Intouchables (2011) directed by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano
In June 2011, BBC Radio 1 Presenter Greg James started a campaign to get I Giorni in the top 40 singles chart. He mentioned that he found the piece therapeutic when he was studying in University. The first plays of the song got a phenomenal response from listeners which led to the song appearing in the charts.
Works
- Time Out (1988)
- StanzeStanze (album)Stanze is the second studio album from Italian contemporary music composer, Ludovico Einaudi. It was released in 1992 and has been composed for the harp.-Track listing:# "Notte" – 4:22# "Calore" – 3:40# "Moto" – 2:25# "Calmo" – 4:33# "Vega" – 4:34...
(1992, harp) - Salgari (1995)
- Le OndeLe OndeLe Onde is an album released in 1996 by the Italian pianist Ludovico Einaudi. The album is based on the novel The Waves by British writer Virginia Woolf, and was Einaudi's first solo piano album. The album enjoyed mainstream success, particularly in Italy and the UK.-Le Onde:Le Onde is a slow and...
(1996, piano) - Eden RocEden Roc (album)Eden Roc is a music album by the Italian pianist Ludovico Einaudi. "Eden Roc" is the name of a number of localities and hotels around the world.-Track listing:All songs by Ludovico Einaudi.#"Yerevan"#"Eden Roc"#"Fuori Dalla Notte"...
(1999, piano and strings) - I GiorniI GiorniI Giorni is a music album by the Italian pianist Ludovico Einaudi. The album's title translates to "The Days" in English.The solo piano track "I Giorni" has been featured on a BBC advert for arts and culture programmes....
(2001, piano) - Diario MaliDiario MaliDiario Mali is a collaboration of Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi on piano and Malian musician Ballaké Sissoko on kora. It was released in Europe in 2003.-Track listings:# "Laissez moi en paix"# "Entre nous"# "Soutoukou"# "Chanson d'amour"...
(2003; piano, harp) - Una MattinaUna MattinaUna mattina is a music album by the Italian pianist Ludovico Einaudi.-Track listing:All songs by Ludovico Einaudi.# "Una mattina" – 3:26# "Ora" – 7:57# "Resta con me" – 4:57# "Leo" – 5:10# "A fuoco" – 4:32# "Dolce droga" – 3:38...
(2004; piano, cello) - DivenireDivenireDivenire is a collaboration of Piano and Orchestra generated by Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi. Released in 2007, the album also includes his critically acclaimed track "Primavera"...
(2007; piano, string quartet) - NightbookNightbookNightbook is the latest album created by Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi. Released in 2009, the album sees Einaudi take a new direction with his music as he incorporates synthesized sounds alongside his solo piano playing...
(2009; piano, electronic)
Recordings
- 1988 Time Out – BMG Ricordi
- 1992 StanzeStanze (album)Stanze is the second studio album from Italian contemporary music composer, Ludovico Einaudi. It was released in 1992 and has been composed for the harp.-Track listing:# "Notte" – 4:22# "Calore" – 3:40# "Moto" – 2:25# "Calmo" – 4:33# "Vega" – 4:34...
– BMG Ricordi - 1995 Salgari – BMG Ricordi
- 1996 Le OndeLe OndeLe Onde is an album released in 1996 by the Italian pianist Ludovico Einaudi. The album is based on the novel The Waves by British writer Virginia Woolf, and was Einaudi's first solo piano album. The album enjoyed mainstream success, particularly in Italy and the UK.-Le Onde:Le Onde is a slow and...
– BMG Ricordi - 1998 Fuori dal Mondo – BMG Ricordi
- 1998 Ultimi Fuochi – BMG Ricordi
- 1999 Eden RocEden Roc (album)Eden Roc is a music album by the Italian pianist Ludovico Einaudi. "Eden Roc" is the name of a number of localities and hotels around the world.-Track listing:All songs by Ludovico Einaudi.#"Yerevan"#"Eden Roc"#"Fuori Dalla Notte"...
– BMG Ricordi - 2001 I GiorniI GiorniI Giorni is a music album by the Italian pianist Ludovico Einaudi. The album's title translates to "The Days" in English.The solo piano track "I Giorni" has been featured on a BBC advert for arts and culture programmes....
– BMG Ricordi - 2001 Luce dei miei Occhi- BMG Ricordi
- 2002 Dr. Zhivago – BMG Ricordi
- 2003 La Scala Concert 03.03.03 – BMG Ricordi
- 2003 Le parole di mio padre – BMG Ricordi
- 2003 Diario MaliDiario MaliDiario Mali is a collaboration of Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi on piano and Malian musician Ballaké Sissoko on kora. It was released in Europe in 2003.-Track listings:# "Laissez moi en paix"# "Entre nous"# "Soutoukou"# "Chanson d'amour"...
(with Ballaké Sissoko) – Ponderosa IRD - 2004 Echoes: The Einaudi Collection
- 2004 Una MattinaUna MattinaUna mattina is a music album by the Italian pianist Ludovico Einaudi.-Track listing:All songs by Ludovico Einaudi.# "Una mattina" – 3:26# "Ora" – 7:57# "Resta con me" – 4:57# "Leo" – 5:10# "A fuoco" – 4:32# "Dolce droga" – 3:38...
– Ponderosa Music and Art/Decca/Sony Classical - 2006 DivenireDivenireDivenire is a collaboration of Piano and Orchestra generated by Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi. Released in 2007, the album also includes his critically acclaimed track "Primavera"...
– Ponderosa Music and Art/Decca - 2009 Cloudland – Ponderosa Music and Art
- 2009 NightbookNightbookNightbook is the latest album created by Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi. Released in 2009, the album sees Einaudi take a new direction with his music as he incorporates synthesized sounds alongside his solo piano playing...
– Ponderosa Music and Art/Decca - 2010 The Royal Albert Hall Concert – Ponderosa Music and Art
- 2011 Islands: Essential Einaudi – Decca (UMO)
Film and television scores
- 1988: Treno di panna (Director: Andrea De Carlo)
- 1994: Da qualche parte in città (Director: Michele Sordillo)
- 1996: Acquario (Director: Michele Sordillo)
- 1998: Aprile (Director: Nanni MorettiNanni MorettiGiovanni "Nanni" Moretti is an Italian film director, producer, screenwriter and actor.-Life and work:Moretti was born in Bruneck, South Tyrol , in 1953 to parents who were teachers...
) - 1998: Giorni dispari (Director: Dominick Tambasco)
- 1999: Fuori dal mondoFuori Dal MondoNot of this World or Fuori Dal Mondo is an awarded Italian drama film directed by Giuseppe Piccioni. The translation for Fuori Dal Mondo is 'outside from the world'-Cast:*Margherita Buy: Sister Caterina*Silvio Orlando: Ernesto...
(Director: Giuseppe Piccioni) - 2000: La vita altrui (Director: Michele Sordillo)
- 2000: Un delitto impossibile (Director: Antonio Luigi Grimaldi)
- 2001: Le parole di mio padre (Director: Francesca Comencini)
- 2001: Alexandria (Director: Maria Iliou)
- 2002: Luce dei miei occhi (Director: Giuseppe Piccioni) – Italian music award for best film score
- 2002: Doctor ZhivagoDoctor Zhivago (TV serial)Doctor Zhivago is a 2002 British television serial directed by Giacomo Campiotti and starring Keira Knightley and Sam Neill. The teleplay by Andrew Davies is based on the 1957 novel of the same title by Boris Pasternak....
(TV mini-series, Director: Giacomo Campiotti) - 2004: Sotto falso nome (Director: Roberto Andò) – Prize for the best film music at Avignon Film Festival 2004
- 2004: Mission: Saturn
- 2006: This is EnglandThis Is England-Track listing:#"54-46 Was My Number" - Toots & The Maytals#"Come On Eileen" - Dexys Midnight Runners#"Tainted Love" - Soft Cell#"Underpass/Flares" - Movie Dialogue From This Is England#"Nicole " - Gravenhurst...
(Director: Shane MeadowsShane MeadowsShane Meadows is an English film director, screenwriter, occasional actor and BAFTA winner.-Background:Meadows grew up in the Westlands Road area of Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. His father was a long distance lorry driver and his mother worked in a fish and chip shop...
) - 2010: This is England '86This Is England '86This Is England '86 is a 2010 British drama series written by Shane Meadows and Jack Thorne. A spin-off from the 2006 film This Is England, and set three years later, it focuses on the mod revival scene rather than the skinhead subculture...
(Director: Shane MeadowsShane MeadowsShane Meadows is an English film director, screenwriter, occasional actor and BAFTA winner.-Background:Meadows grew up in the Westlands Road area of Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. His father was a long distance lorry driver and his mother worked in a fish and chip shop...
) - 2010: Stargate Universe – Pathogen
- 2010: Sangandaan – Landas ng Buhay
- 2010: I'm Still HereI'm Still Here (film)I'm Still Here is a 2010 mockumentary film directed by Casey Affleck, and written by Affleck and Joaquin Phoenix. The film purports to follow the life of Phoenix, from the announcement of his retirement from acting, through his transition into a career as a hip hop artist. Filming officially began...
(Director: Casey Affleck) - 2011: Elena - Mysterio ng Kahapon
- 2011: BBC - background music to minute of silence for recent racing deaths before Formula 1 Airtel Grand Prix of India (October 30)
Numerous episodes of the BBC's Top Gear