Musicatlas
Music
Among his works: seven sonatas for piano, award winners, string quartet, first prize at the Milan competition, piano concerto, special mention at the Prince Pierre of Monaco competition, Symphony for string orchestra, and Concerto far piano and string orchestra, both performed far the first time in Sofia, Bulgaria, Fantasy for ‘cello and piano. One of his last works is the Double Concerto far oboe and bassoon, played in world premiere at the La Fenice Theatre, Venice, on May 2l, 1994.
Life
Artistic personality of the Venetian music world, Ugo Amendola was born in Venice on August 28, 1917. Music soon became part of his life; as he said, “I began to love music from early childhood, when I imitated my father at the keyboard.” At the age of 12 Amendola entered the B. Marcello Conservatory and immediately showed talent far piano and composition; he obtained his diplomas in piano, composition, choral music and choral and orchestral conducting with the highest honours. He began teaching at the same conservatory in 1951; at first he taught theory and ear training, then harmony, counterpoint and composition, later he became assistant director, 1971-73, and finally full director until 1985. Over this entire period, after graduating from the Conservatory, Amendola pursued a demanding concert career as a pianist, as soloist and in duo with many soloists in Italy. He was often asked to preside or take part in juries for competitions. Amendola was, however, fundamentally a composer, as can be seen from his wide cultural background and stylistic originality, noteworthy not only in his piano works, his own instrument, but also in works for two or more instruments and for orchestra, works which have received prizes and recognition far and wide. His theoretical works list books on ear training and theory, on harmony and counterpoint, fugue, choral composition and analysis of classica1 music. His sudden death, February 20, 1995, come at a period of busy creation and left the eighth sonata, a ballet, a sonata far viola and piano and didactic works unfinished.