Franco Donatoni

(Verona, June 9, 1927 • Milano, August 17, 2000)

ARGOT • two pieces for solo violin (1979)

Silvia Mandolini, Violin

Recorded in Bologna • August 16, 2020 • Chiesa dei Santi Cosma e Damiano

Video:

Alma Napolitano & Marco Mangani

My dear friend and fantastic violinist Silvia Mandolini sent me this recording today, to remember and honour Franco Donatoni in the 20th anniversary of his passing on August 17, 2000 in Milano.

Silvia was supposed to play in Vancouver in March, but unfortunately we had to cancel the event in light of the current pandemic. It’s so wonderful to hear her now even if from a distance and this is such a wonderful gift, a loving performace of a virtuosic and fiery piece by Franco.

Silvia played this piece for Franco at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in the early 90’s and Franco was then – as he would still be now – amazed as we are by Silvia’s beautiful playing.

Argot (page 1)

Franco was a wonderful composer, a generous and kind man, a friend and magnificent teacher. His music is a tresure full of vivid and fantastic sonic visions, gestures and figures that will continue to inspire and resonate in our imagination.

Thank you Silvia, and thank you dear Franco for your sonic treasures and beautiful musics.

In loving memory of an inspiring soul and a wonderful and humble “music writer”

…as Franco would say.

More on Franco and his wonderful works HERE

Franco Donatoni