Franco Donatoni: 10 anni dopo

In August 2010, it will be ten years since Franco Donatoni’s passing; long enough to try to relate the history of this musician who lived with a rare intensity and who remains an indispensable reference point in contemporary music. The Divertimento Ensemble and Italian Saxophone Quartet are conducted by Sandro Gorli, who founded the Ensemble in 1977 and who was Donatoni’s pupil.
“Donatoni's music always engages the ear as much as the brain; the bright, immediate detail of many of his wind-dominated textures are counterpointed with moments of sensuous smoothness, and sudden explosions of energy, all perfectly controlled. This is a ravishing collection, beautifully performed.” The Guardian, 19th August 2010
“The 18-minute Tema, the earliest of the pieces (1981), begins with bright Boulezian trills and adds exuberance to sonic exuberance. Luci I and II are brief alto-flute solos. Rasch II for saxophone quartet, vibraphone, marimba, percussion and piano is tinctured by jazz and full of modern-music friskiness.” Sunday Times, 29th August 2010