Julio gets steamy, as usual. But to reduce the physical heat, we bring you a recommendation of freshness for the soul. The Seville Royal Symphony Orchestra will be in charge of interpreting the tribute concert to Ennio Morricone within the programming of Iconic Fest. It will also count with the participation of the prestigious Zyriab Choir. That’s why we talk to Andrea Morricone.
“Ennio Morricone, The Official Concert Celebration” will have a single performance in our country. Could you tell us a little bit about the show? I don’t miss it for the world‘s sake.
I can say that it should not be the pleasure of one, but of many, that is, of a large audience that, like you, will have the opportunity to listen to a memorable concert, due to its musical content and its synchronization with photographs and images. The public will enjoy the scores of Paradise cinema, The Missionn, the good, the bad and the ugly, Once upon a Time in America y the untouchablesyes, among others. The show’s video content will include beloved scenes from the films, as well as on-screen contributions from Ennio’s longtime collaborators, private archive footage of Ennio and backstage footage of Ennio at work.
Just say those soundtracks and it gives an overdose. What is the least renowned piece of your record that brings you those tears when nobody sees it?
In response to your second question, I would like to limit myself to saying that twentieth century is a wonderful soundtrack, extraordinarily innovative and experimental. Not only the theme in G major of the film, which bears the title of “Romanzo”. In particular, I would also like to highlight the presence in the score of the piece “Verdi e’ morto”, a very deep and cantabile composition, and “Regalo di nozze”, a piece built in fugato style, on notes “Do – Eb – Si – Re”, reminiscent of Igor Stravinsky and his famous fugue in the opera “Symphony of Psalms” (1930). Last but not least, my thoughts go to the extraordinary director Bernardo Bertolucci.
From Spaghetti Westerns to Tarantino. Which of the films that he provided sound is one of your favourites?
I will answer your question with a premise. The quality of a soundtrack must be valued not only in itself, but in its interrelation with the film to which it belongs. For this reason, my favorite soundtracks are those composed for the masterpieces of the great director, my dear Sergio Leone.
“The quality of a soundtrack must be valued not only in itself, but in its interrelation with the film to which it belongs.”
He collaborated with his father at the age of 26. Specifically in Cinema Paradiso composing the love theme of it. Where did the inspiration come from?
It came to me while I was reading the script. Specifically, I composed the love theme in real time, immediately after reading the kiss scene.
His father left 3 years ago, and specialists say that it is three years later when the death is accepted. Is it your case? We are talking about his father, not the acclaimed composer that he was.
The man and the composer, the composer and the man, are two different aspects, although they coexist in the same individual. The great composer that he was survives in his works, while the man survives in the memory of those who loved him and continue to love him for what he did and for what he was. The importance of his compositions and the memory of the man he was go hand in hand, but both aspects differ, although in a relationship of legitimate similarity.
Ennio Morricone. Photo: Jelmer de Haas
Of more than 500 films that you provided a soundtrack, which one is that piece or pieces that still give you a little pinch every time you listen to it?
The end of The mission (1986), as well as Deborah’s theme from Once Upon a Time in America (1984) and The legend of the pianist on the ocean (1998).
What was your songwriting process like? Did he have hobbies or rituals?
No, I didn’t have any special ritual to compose.
Something very important. How did you get your own stamp being the son of such an overwhelming figure?
Studying and reflecting on music every day, for 30 years, as well as never compromising with myself neither in music nor in life, and never settling for obvious and banal solutions.
Eclecticism shines in his works; classical, contemporary, pop, electronic music. Give us a pop record that inspires you and an electronic one that boosts your morale.
Pop the Stranger in Moscow by Michael Jackson and various electronics by Brian Eno from the 70s.
Franco Battiato used to say that composing is nothing more than transferring your feelings to a notebook in the cleanest way possible. When you compose, where does your mental state take you?
When I compose, I first perform an act of will. I hear something that comes from inside me. I have to be attentive and consider well the path to follow.
“When I compose, I first perform an act of will. I listen to something that comes from within me. I have to be attentive and consider the path to follow.”
They say that his father left a posthumous letter to say goodbye to everyone. If that text were transformed into a composition, what would it be?
The text in a cantata composition can be interpreted as in the case of da Ponte – Mozart through a synergy between librettist and composer. In the event that someone asked me to turn it into a musical piece -assuming that I decided to do so-, I imagine that my father’s text would become an instrumental piece, that is, without foreseeing either vocal soloists or choir. The text would be included in the concert program and indicated as inspiration for the musical composition.
“Ennio Morricone, The Official Concert Celebration” will take place next Thursday, July 13, in the Plaza de España in Seville, at 10:00 p.m., as part of the ICÓNICA Sevilla Fest program, and under the baton of Andrea Morricone , son of the legendary Italian composer.