Bussotti, Sylvano (1931– )

Italian composer. After producing some early works in a relatively traditional style, he turned to a graphical manner of composing, which is influenced by John Cage and attempts to suggest the type of improvisation required. His music can be very poetic and evocative; his chief work is the opera Lorenzaccio (1972).

Bussotti was born in Florence. He studied at the Florence Conservatory and with Max Deutsch in Paris, France. His interests lie equally in painting, music, and the theatre, and his scores often contain either considerable elements of graphic design (as in Five Piano Pieces for David Tudor, 1959) or are ‘action scripts’ (such as Le Passion selon Sade, 1969) which outline theatrical action and music.

Works Opera Lorenzaccio (1972), Nottetempo (1976), La Racine (1980), L'ispirazione (1988), Fedra (1988).

Vocal Torso for voice and orchestra; Pearson Piece for baritone and piano; cantata Memoria (1962); Requiem (1969).

Instrumental Fragmentations for harp; Five Piano Pieces for David Tudor (1959); Pour clavier for piano; Opus Cygne for flute and orchestra (1979).