In 2022, I composed the music for ‘Requiem for Juliet,’ an original contemporary dance show commissioned by ŻfinMalta, the National Dance Company of Malta, under the direction of choreographer Riccardo Buscarini. ‘Requiem for Juliet’ represents Buscarini’s interpretation of William Shakespeare’s 1597 play, ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ The show revolves around the narrative of a mother grappling with the loss of her daughter.
The composition itself is an electro-acoustic score that blends electronic sounds with acoustic instruments and everyday objects. The final scene of the production exists in two versions: the first incorporates entirely original materials composed by me, while the second version integrates a sampled excerpt from Sergei Prokofiev‘s renowned ballet. The approval for this second version of the finale, featuring Prokofiev’s work, was granted by Prokofiev’s heirs only after the performances had concluded, making it as yet unpublished.
‘Requiem for Juliet’ premiered in Valletta, Malta, in May 2022 and subsequently had its German premiere at Neuss TanzWochen in October 2023.
Full Credits
Choreography: Riccardo Buscarini, in collaboration with the dancers
Dramaturgy: Mauro Barbiero
Costume & Set Design: Luke Azzopardi
Original Score: Alessandro Baldessari
Light Design: Moritz Zavan Stoeckle
Set Design & Costumes: Luke Azzopardi
Text: Mauro Barbiero And Riccardo Buscarini, edited by Carolina Migli and Nicole Bearman
Riccardo Buscarini: Alessandro and I worked as brothers, playing and exploring the never-ending matter of the relationship between music and dance. His sensitivity completed my vision with a score which is filmic and entrancing, layered, evocative, emotional but always open to personal interpretations. Like music and dance.
Photos by Camille Fenech.