Pippo Barzizza

His basics and exercises "are so clear that's it's enough to read this little book to overcome any doubts or hesitation!”[a] Franco Franchi said, "Barzizza was among the first to be interested in jazz music and swing and he became for many years, together with his friend and rival Cinico Angelini, a great example for his fellows, both for his extraordinary compositions and his skills to find out new talents and songs, and for his attempt to give a modern mark to Italian music".

At age six he entered the Camillo Sivori Institute to study violin and quickly passed the exam and took his first award.

Followed by his uncle, he often went to the Carlo Felice Theatre, where he saw, 'from a very comfortable stage position',[b] many representations of famous lyric operas.

His first engagement was on a luxury steamer (an early cruise ship) called Esperia, but because of his youth, the captain took him on board as a passenger.

In 1922 he was discovered by Armando di Piramo and joined his orchestra at Olimpia and de Ferrari in Genova.

Pippo taught Sid the basics as arranger, and he gave saxophone lessons, including the pizzicato technique.

[2] Blue Star's debut show was 25 July, at Sempioncino; then at Cova with great success and at Olimpia; it became known as one of the greatest Italian orchestras.

In the following years he performed in Cannes, Saint Raphael and again in Paris and Milan (at Olimpia, Cova, Birra Italia).

He worked with the labels Fonit, Columbia, La Voce del Padrone, Odeon, Brunswick and Fonotipia.

In 1934, Carisch released Pippo Barzizza, King of Italian Jazz; and then New series of Blue Star arrangements.

The Fascist Regime required only that he translate titles into Italian; so "In the moon" became "Con stile"; "Whoodchoppers" became "Al ballo del taglialegna".

They returned to Torino at the end of 1943, partially formed and broadcasting at EIAR, which at that time was garrisoned by German soldiers.The war had little influence on their music.

"The enormous discography of Cetra Orchestra with Barzizza between 1936 and the late 1948 has not rebuilt yet, because of difficulties with such a huge opera.

In 1955 he composed and arranged the Valentina soundtrack, a comedy movie written and directed by Marcello Mastroianni.

His office became a recording studio, employing five multitrack mixers, eight keyboards, a drum machine and a looper.

His only compositions were "Pagine d'Album" and "La Messa della Mercede" composed on request from a Franciscan friar who was his friend.

He appeared on television with Mike Bongiorno ("Flash"); in 1984 with Renzo Arbore ("Cari amici vicini e lontani") where he conducted two pieces.

In the same year and for RAI's 60th birthday, in his final performance he conducted the orchestra proposing "Il boscaiolo" and "Sera".

[3] In his honor, "Centro Studi Stan Kenton" in Sanremo, instituted an award for arrangers[4] (interrupted since 2004) whose jury was formed by Morricone.

The winners were Enrico Blatti (Roma) and Stefano Zavattoni (Perugia) and in 2002 and Antonello Cpuano (Campobasso) in 2003.

Arranger award recipients were Virgilio Savona, Piero Piccioni, Gianni Ferrio, Roberto Pregadic and Riz Ortolani.

[5] In 1936 Barzizza signed with broadcaster EIAR to conduct Cetra Orchestra, inherited by Claude Bampton.

Pippo Barzizza at the center with his beloved violin. Genova, 1920.
Blue Star Orchestra, 1925, the year of foundation. Barzizza on sax.
Blue Star Orchestra, 1928 or '29. Barzizza is to the left on violin.
Cetra Orchestra. Late 30s. 18 members.
Pippo Barzizza and his children : Isa and Renzo. Torino, 1939.
Cetra Orchestra, 40s. 27 members.
Pippo Barzizza among the instruments of his orchestra.
Pippo Barzizza in his studio. Sanremo, 1980s.
Blue Star, 1927. Barzizza is in the middle with the accordion
Barzizza with Pizzini, Rabagliati and Petralia. Turin, late 30s
Pippo's autographed photo. 1941
Pippo Barzizza concert in Florence. 1940
The Publishing Accordo are part of Gruppo Editoriale Curci
The Publishing Accordo are part of Gruppo Editoriale Curci
The Publishing Accordo are part of Gruppo Editoriale Curci
Isa, Pippo and Tatina Barzizza. Paris, 1929
Pippo and Isa. Milan, 1930