Petit élégie from Gianluca Piacenza is a poignant solo piano composition, exuding sincere sadness and romantic allure. Read our discussion below!
Describe your sound in 3 words
Intimate, mellow, deep.
Tell us a few things about Petit elegie What is the story behind it?
A poignant tribute to the memory of my first piano teacher, an extraordinary woman who ignited my passion for music and left an indelible mark on my soul, Petit élégie is a touching tribute to the Golden Age of the piano, evoking a sense of longing and introspection through melancholic undertones and a reflective atmosphere, inviting listeners to embark on an emotional journey where memories intertwine with the present being driven by a mesmerizing melody that sings through the piano’s double notes accompaniment within a classical form structure.
Petit elegie is a homage to the Golden Piano Era. Which composer from that era is your favourite and why?
My favorite composer from that era is for sure S. Rachmaninoff, possibly the last who incarnated so well the genius of composing incredible masterpieces and the fantastic virtuoso playing as solo pianist. I always felt deeply connected with his musical world, his Russian nostalgic tone, his singing melodies enveloped in a flourishing of notes creating tension and relief. A real master of harmony and a reference for all classical pianists in the world.
How did your studies at the hometown conservatory shape your musical skills and knowledge?
Being academically trained in both piano and composition, I only started writing piano music when I was a student at the local conservatory, but at that time I was more of contemporary-experimental composer. Than I understood that my emotions need a minimal and simple language to transfer to the listeners, and my modern-classical piano journey began.
But I learnt so much during my studies, as a pianist I played all 2 volumes of Bach “Well Tempereted Clavier” and the Chopin studies, almost all Beethoven and Mozart sonatas and all the standard repertoire, and as a student of composition I analyzed Bach Chorals and Monteverdi madrigals, many symphonies and many many contemporary scores by Ligeti, Stockhausen, Sciarrino, Cage, Pärt and many more.
So for me the study of piano, harmony, counterpoint, orchestration and musical analysis was the foundation on which try to develop my style and my own language. At the same time I also need to forget everything when I compose or improvise to let my heart speak.
How do you bridge the gap between classical music traditions and the electronica/ambient scene in your compositions?
Lately I focused on solo piano music but I started with an electronic/ambient album in 2015 (“Dream”) and I’m very proud of it even if I think it didn’t get the right recognition.
And I’m planning more electronic music in the future! I have so much material, piano tracks, songs, orchestral compositions on my hard drives, but I try only to release what in my opinion add something unique and special or has a really deep connection with my soul. My ultimate goal is to mix textures and soundscapes from ambient with neoclassical structure and melodies and some pulses and rhythms from electronica. I aim for an organic sound so I’m using mainly analog synthesizers and drum machines, with my piano as leitmotif.
What role does live performance play in showcasing your music, and how do you translate your studio creations to the stage?
I played so many classical solo piano recitals in beautiful venues in my youth, but since I started playing my own music live I understood that was my thing: so lately I started playing almost only my solo piano compositions, I’d like to prepare something new maybe with more electronic instruments on stage but I don’t like using backing tracks or sequencers, so I need to find a way to play everything myself and this could become complicated. But it’s one of my dream for sure.
If the music of Gianluca Piacenza was a film, which film would that be?
“The Piano” by Jane Campion is a beautifully crafted film, the movie explores themes of love, passion, and self-discovery, much like how my music invites listeners on a profound journey of self-reflection and emotional exploration.
Both the film and my music share a delicate and intimate approach, drawing the audience into the world of emotions and leaving a lasting impact on their hearts and souls.
One last thing we should know about you?
I love and collect synthesizers and audio gear, microphones, vinyls and books.
Thank you!
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