Salvatore Sciarrino

The Profile

Italian composer noted for delicate, whisper-like sonorities, an interest in silence and sparse theatrical works. His music often requires concentrated, active listening.

Born 1947 in Palermo, Italy; internationally performed contemporary composer known for operas, chamber music and experimental use of timbre and silence.

Reviews emphasize Sciarrino's fascination with silence and fragile, whisper-like sounds. His music is described as demanding active listening and often theatrical. The reception ranges from admiring praise to notes of difficulty for casual listeners.