“A Magnificent Gift of Music”: Greek Literature in Early-Twentieth-Century Italian Music

Abstract

In the early decades of the 20th century Italian composers displayed a particular interest in ancient literary heritage. The primary aim and innovative aspect of this study, therefore, is to retrace the historical and sociological reasons behind this revival. Subsequently, the research will examine how archaeological and papyrological discoveries led Italian scholars to develop a new approach to ancient texts and how the figure of Ettore Romagnoli played a key role in this debate. Furthermore, Romagnoli played a pivotal role in connecting classical studies and music through his theatrical productions of classical texts translated sic et simpliciter, rather than through adaptations of myths in the form of melodrama. Romagnoli’s work did not go unnoticed in the music world: Ildebrando Pizzetti showed particular interest and later actively participated as a composer in the theatrical production; after him, Gian Francesco Malipiero took on this role. It becomes evident that the composers of the so-called Generazione dell’Ottanta were far from indifferent to the debate about classical texts. Another key line of analysis, and a further original contribution of this study, concerns the reflection of this interest in the works of Pizzetti, Malipiero, and Respighi that were not intended for the staging of classical dramas. In particular, the study will highlight how, within works inspired by the ancient world, not only vocal music but also compositions for chamber ensembles and orchestras flourished, with string instruments playing a particularly significant role. Since the most immediate way to set an ancient text to music is typically through singing, this situation may seem paradoxical. However, this trend can be contextualized within a broader need for a musical renewal that drew upon antiquity to reinterpret it through new musical languages.