Monteverdi to Morricone: Italian Composers from the Baroque to the Modern

Italian composers have long been prominent in the music world.  

During the Baroque Era (1600-1750), composers like Claudio Monteverdi, Arcangelo Corelli, and Antonio Vivaldi developed the forms that would become opera, concerto, and symphony.  During the Romantic Era (1800-1920), Italian composers focused on the opera world, led by Gioachino Rossini, Vincenzo Bellini, Gaetano Donizetti, Giuseppe Verdi, and Giacomo Puccini.  In the Modern Era, Italian composers turned to orchestra and film composition with composers such Ottorino Respighi, Nino Rota, and Ennio Morricone.  Music of these composers continues to thrill and move audiences today in concert halls and opera houses around the world.

Appropriately timed for Italian American Heritage Month, this talk by Dr Robert Butts, musical composer, conductor and lecturer, that will also include musical excerpts, will help you learn about the impact and contributions of Italian composers like Monteverdi, Morricone, Vivaldi, and Verdi among others.

Dr. Robert W. Butts has lectured and taught at The Casperson School of Graduate Studies, Montclair  State University, and The College of Saint Elizabeth as well as for The New Jersey Council for the Humanities. He has presented talks and courses for community programs throughout New Jersey. As a  conductor, he has led the award-winning Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey for over 25 years and has  conducted The New Jersey Symphony, The Plainfield Symphony, Opera at Florham, New Jersey Concert Opera, Eastern Opera, and Opera Theater of Montclair. In addition, he has conducted orchestra  and opera performances in Russia, Romania, Germany, and Italy. His compositions have been performed in The United States, Europe, and Asia.  

This program is open to all and no registration is required.

It is made possible with the support of The Friends of the Livingston Public Library.