Download – Dante Alighieri Jazz Suite

Description

The suite is inspired by Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, commissioned by the Dante Alighieri Committee of Genk to mark the 700th anniversary of the poet’s death. It is my musical interpretation of Dante’s journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, composed for jazz quartet and string quartet.

Structured in three movements and an overture, the suite mirrors Dante’s numbering and begins at the mysterious gate to Hell, as envisioned by Rodin. Drawing from Dante’s poetic techniques, such as endecasyllables and chained rhymes, I applied these principles to harmonic and melodic structures. While this occasionally led to atonal elements reminiscent of Schoenberg, I adapted the rules to align with my melodic and harmonic language, blending tradition with contemporary influences.

The orchestration seeks to vividly depict key scenes from Dante’s journey, guiding the listener as Virgil, Beatrice, and Saint Bernard guided the poet. My background in both jazz and classical conservatories allowed me to integrate the rich textures of blues, jazz, classical counterpoint, and madrigals into a seamless, unique sound. This combination of jazz quartet (tenor/soprano saxophone, piano, double bass, drums) and string quartet creates a compelling musical garment, evoking the depth and spirit of Dante’s worlds.