Italy is the country of good food and of the most beautiful artworks. But not only: Italy is also home to some of the best musicians.
The Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles has recently dedicated to them the ‘Fazioli Piano Series’, which featured acclaimed international musicians. The second appointment just saw composer Daniel Rothman as a protagonist. Rothman is based in Los Angeles and is a professor at the California Institute for the Arts. During his career he collaborated with important artists from all over the world, and has received commissions from many contemporary music festivals, including ‘Nuova Consonanza’, one of the most interesting realities in the Italian panorama.
We asked Daniel Rothman a few questions about Italian music and its role on the international scene.
Daniel, what’s the first comment that comes to your mind when thinking of today’s Italian music?
I think of the incredible bond between the past and the present: Italian composers can’t – and shouldn’t – leave their past behind. Theirs is an incredible culture, and having the chance to listen to such a repertoire in Los Angeles is a unique occasion.
Do you think cultural differences in music can be an obstacle in the circulation of music?
Several times I heard people complaining because they couldn’t understand the language of a song and its meaning. But while their mind was confused, their body wasn’t: they were following the rhythm of that song. We are talking about music, and Italian music is one of the most sophisticated one; it has always had, in fact, a strong influence on the other music cultures.
When I hear Maura Capuozzo, Ivan Fedele, Filippo Perroco, Salvatore Sciarrino – just to mention some – it doesn’t matter how different they are from each other: I can feel their belonging to their motherland, and the rhythm of everyday life over there.
How does the Fazioli Piano Series contribute in showing Italy’s production from an international point of view?
Well, the Fazioli Piano Series at the IIC are a good way to show some differences between Italian and American composers. But when I say ‘differences’ I only mean different ways in which different cultures express themselves. Taking part in such an event is fascinating, rewarding, it’s a spiritual moment of harmony through music.
What are the next projects for your career?
Right a few days ago I was discussing with IIC director Alberto Di Mauro in regard to an upcoming series of concerts… Stay tuned for all the details!
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