Biography
My musical training began at the age of 8 when I learned to play piano and went on to study composition. Although I dedicated my professional career as an International Consultant and had less time for music in those years, I never stopped composing. I’ve composed more than 400 short pieces of classical music and 7 symphonies.
At this point in my life, I am able to dedicate all of my time to composing music. It’s the beginning of a second career, even if it’s one that I’ve pursued my whole life. Now with the evolution of modern music making technology, I’m able to capture the essence of my music as it comes spontaneously, where I receive inspiration on a melody or harmony. I can then work on the composition for months, and in some cases, for over a year to develop and perfect it.
In my case, inspiration cannot appear without a strong emotion. Usually strong emotions are brought on by an event like in the case of the symphony “September 11th.” It may be the mighty power of a masterpiece of literature like in the case of the “Divine Comedy” of Dante Alighieri or in the case of “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare. It may be the fascination of the dream of a travel in space like in the case of the symphony “Towards Infinite.” In fact, there are no limits, there is only one absolutely necessary condition and that is emotion. This is what makes my music truly unique – the expression of intense emotions (joy, pain, awe…) reflected in all of my pieces.
My favourite composers are Mozart, Beethoven and Mahler. In fact, one never knows whom and how much one takes influence. One cannot make this analysis while composing – that is the job of the critics who have classified my music as post-romantic.
Currently, I am working on a project about a subject that is not only timely but futuristic at the same time: space. It will be a trilogy describing different aspects of the greatest discovery of our time. The first symphony “Towards Infinite” describes the dream of mankind to travel into space. The second symphony “Big Bang” describes the step-by-step formation of the universe. The third one will be dedicated to the birth of mankind.
I’ve also composed around 400 short pieces, some of which will be issued on CD in autumn of this year. They are solo pieces for piano, violin, cello, flute and pieces for chamber orchestra.
My music has also been recognized with several awards, the first one in Bologna in 2002 for the soloist violin movement of the symphony “September 11th.” I will always remember the silence and concentration of the audience during that particular performance. From this experience, I understood that my music was perceived by people exactly as I felt it when composing. During the following years from 2003 onwards, I’ve regularly received an award for various compositions of mine from the IBLA in New York. I have always taken the 2nd to 5th place in this competition.
Even if the great composers of the past are outstanding in their kind of classical music, I don’t believe that classical music is condemned to remain in the past. I believe in a new classical music adapted to the taste and sensibility of the public of today. I believe in a new classical music that does not astonish its audience with new sounds, but rather with emotions and beauty to convey feelings of love, admiration, fear, and dreams. This is the reason why I continue to compose music.
The fact that I compose classical music makes it unique nowadays. In contrast to the majority of modern composers, I do not seek a new format or new sounds. Nor is my music a simple imitation of classical music of the past. I try to give voice to what an audience of nowadays likes and is moved by, as well as for the contents and form of my composition.
My dearest wish is to realize the most my music can offer. I wish that a violinist who apologised about making a mistake because he cried during one of my pieces will not be a single case. I wish that a person who ran to tell me his enthusiasm at the end of a concert will not remain a single fact. I wish to offer emotions and joy to the as many people as possible because this is what I know how to do best and it is my way to spread happiness and joy onto others.
All contents are property of Alfonso Rega © 2011. All right reserved.