Severino Gazzelloni Italian flutist Date of Birth: 05.01.1919 Country: Italy

1. Early Life and Musical Beginnings
2. Education and Early Career
3. Wartime and Postwar Career
4. International Recognition and Collaborations
5. Teaching and Legacy
6. Final Years and Passing

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Severino Gazzelloni was born on January 5, 1919, in Roccasecca, Italy. His father, a former professional musician, abandoned music after marriage and opened a small business. At the tender age of seven, Severino's musical path was set after hearing a Mozart flute concerto on the radio.

Education and Early Career

Influenced by his father's early musical endeavors, Severino began flute lessons at the age of ten with Giovanni Battista. By twelve, his skills had progressed, leading him to perform with ensembles in Taranto and Sora. After completing high school, he pursued a music education at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome.

Wartime and Postwar Career

During World War II, Gazzelloni played in rhythm sections led by conductors Erminio Macario and Alberto Semprini. In 1944, he achieved a major milestone by becoming principal flautist of the RAI Orchestra, a position he held for over three decades. Shortly after joining the orchestra, he married Adriana Mannocci, a union that lasted until 1964.

International Recognition and Collaborations

Gazzelloni's career gained international acclaim in 1946 when he met and befriended renowned composer and conductor Bruno Maderna. Maderna later invited him to participate in the International Summer Courses for New Music in Darmstadt, Germany. Throughout the following decades, Gazzelloni toured extensively, performing with various orchestras worldwide. Notably, composers such as Luciano Berio, Pierre Boulez, Igor Stravinsky, and Bruno Maderna wrote compositions specifically for him. He also collaborated with notable musicians like Salvatore Accardo and Heinz Holliger.

Teaching and Legacy

In addition to his illustrious performance career, Gazzelloni dedicated himself to teaching, serving as a flute professor at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome. His legacy as a master flautist and teacher continues to inspire and guide generations of musicians.

Final Years and Passing

In May 1992, Gazzelloni received a diagnosis of brain cancer. He passed away on November 21, 1992, at the age of 73. His contributions to the world of flute music and his mentorship of young musicians left an indelible mark on the musical landscape.