Gabriele Bianchi

Gabriele Bianchi graduated in law as well as in composition from the Parma Conservatory. His musical teacher, influencer and friend was the Italian composer Gian Francesco Malipiero (1882-1973). Both were among the first to use polytonality as a new musical language. He became better known even internationally participating in the First Venice Music Biennale, where he won the First Prize with his Concerto for Orchestra. In 1925, he was appointed professor of harmony, counterpoint, and fugue for music and music history at the former High School (now Academy) “Benedetto Marcello” in Venice.

The influence of the fascist government on culture led to a change in his style and his production diminished until 1953 while focusing on chamber music. He later became director of the Trieste Conservatory in 1955 and from 1960-71 was director of the Venice Conservatory. In his later years, he wrote several works for the stage but also chamber and religious music, isolating himself increasingly from the new avant-garde. A foundation has been established to rediscover his literary and musical legacy as a composer, conductor and teacher.

At the 1936 Olympics, Bianchi received an Honorable Mention for his Due improvvisi, entered in the category instrumental and chamber music. In 1948, he was awarded a bronze medal in the vocals section for his Inno Olimpionico for choir and orchestra written in 1947.