The Musical Journey of Luis Bacalov: Spotlight on "Descansado - Songs for Films"
Discover the captivating compositions of Luis Bacalov, a renowned Argentine-Italian composer widely celebrated for his work in both pop music and for film. His artistry takes center stage in STAGE+, where we delve into his most cherished pieces and his musical journey.
Luis Bacalov: A Prolific Composer
Born on August 30, 1933, in San Martín, Buenos Aires Province, Bacalov trained with Enrique Barenboim and Berta Sujovolsky and later moved to Italy, where he became renowned for his evocative film music. He gained global recognition for his scores for Italian cinema, particularly Spaghetti Westerns, and was awarded the Academy Award for Best Original Score for Il Postino in 1995. Bacalov’s music is known for its melodic richness and its ability to bridge classical, popular, and Latin American traditions.
"Descansado - Songs for Films": A Masterpiece by Luis Bacalov, Beautifully Voiced by Norma Winstone
Delve into one of Bacalov's most poignant works, "Descansado - Songs for Films". Renowned English jazz singer, Norma Winstone, interprets Bacalov's compositions, immersing listeners into a world of cinematic wonder and melodious charm. Experience the magic of music and film intertwined in this remarkable collection, serving both as a testament to Bacalov's unrivaled musical finesse and Winstone's vocal prowess.
"Descansado – Songs For Films" spotlights modern vocal reinterpretations of iconic film music, with Norma Winstone reimagining several scores by Luis Bacalov. While not all tracks on "Descansado" are Bacalov's, his works feature alongside those of other major film composers. The project re-contextualizes Bacalov’s cinematic themes, pairing his emotive harmonies with lyrics and jazz sensibilities, paying tribute to his enduring influence in both film and music.
Bacalov’s Contributions to Film Music
Bacalov’s most famous works include scores for Il Postino (The Postman), which won the 1995 Academy Award for Best Original Score, The Gospel According to Matthew, acclaimed for its stark, moving choral writing, and Django, a classic Spaghetti Western theme, which was later revived in Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained. He also composed for films directed by Fellini, Pasolini, Scola, and others, blending orchestral grandeur with popular and traditional music elements. Bacalov passed away on November 15, 2017, at age 84, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of music and film.