Thomas Fortmann was born in Switzerland and became a successful songwriter in the 1970’s. At the height of hiscareer, he abandoned this direction and dedicated himself to studies in composition and instrumentation. He composed numerous chamber works, two symphonies and three music plays. In the 1980’s he relocated to Italy and founded Accademia Amiata.

 

The music of Thomas Fortmann is very original. His method of composing addresses the problems of contemporary music by connecting formalistic ideas with an expressiveness which communicates to the listener immediately. All three compositions featured on the CD use 12 tones, employing horizontal serial techniques which are vertically connected to interval structures, in a very personal way. These sometimes complex forms are never self-serving or lacking in sensitive expression, but instead often relate to popular idioms. The question is no longer one of breaking or creating barriers in excluding one or the other stylistic way, but instead of relating modern acquisitions in compositions to traditions in European music.

 

A sample of this attitude is ‘Tango Catolico’ – the meaning of the word catholic is to be understood literally: ‘including everything’. The beautiful beginning develops into the first main theme which consists of a dodecaphonic and complementary all-interval series. Following a few variations, the rhythmic structure achieves a crossing of Ragtime and tango and is ending in the pure form of the Argentine Tango.

 

The Requiem (for clarinet, violin, cello, piano and soprano) has elementary directness; the text (reproduced in the booklet in both English and German) is a personal argument between the composer and the subject matter.

 

Ladyboy (for violin, viola and cello) is a comprehensive art work utilising music, text and visualisation, created for a string trio and first performed at the Zyklorama exposition in Zurich.

 

The ensemble Accademia Amiata was founded in the 1990’s in Tuscany and has had successful concert tours from inception. The proficiency of the musicians, the high level performances and the exceptional programmes featuring the works of Messiaen, Bartok, Fortmann, Zappa, Piazzola and Walton have always caused great enthusiasm among audience and critics. The activities of the ensemble have initiated the Toscana delle Culture Festival.