Malipiero's First String Quartet radically rejects classical-romantic formal structures, such as the four-movement articulation and sonata form, instead presenting a continuous flow of music.
Compositional Technique
Malipiero's Sixth Symphony, subtitled "degli archi" (for strings), was conceived for a specific string ensemble and features four movements that are more developed than those in his first quartet, giving it a true symphonic character.
Composer Biography
Malipiero's Eighth String Quartet, "Per Elisabetta," was intentionally left unnumbered by the composer due to a superstition about not exceeding the number seven in his works.
Composition History
Malipiero's First String Quartet, "Rispetti e strambotti," completed in April 1920, won the Coolidge Prize in the USA and was dedicated to Mrs. Elisabeth, his long-time patron and friend.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Malipiero's First String Quartet, titled "Rispetti e strambotti," alludes to popular poetic forms, though the composer stated these definitions should not be taken literally for a musical work.
Performer Biography
The Mitja String Quartet, formed in 2008, has specialized with renowned ensembles like the Artemis Quartet and Alban Berg Quartet, and was invited by director Francis Ford Coppola to perform at his estate.
Historical Context
Gian Francesco Malipiero belonged to the 'Generazione dell'Ottanta' (Generation of the 80s), a group of Italian composers born around 1880 who aimed to free Italian music from melodrama and establish a significant repertoire of symphonic and chamber music.
