Solstitium

Solstitium

Gianni Marchetti's Solstitium, originally released in 1978 as part of RCA's prestigious Original Cast series, stands as one of the most elusive and iconic records within the realm of Italian library music. Its first-ever reissue brings this long-sought gem back into circulation, offering an opportunity for modern listeners to experience its raw, innovative energy and immersive soundscapes. Originally released in only a handful of promo copies, Solstitium quickly became a holy grail for collectors, its rarity only adding to its mystique and allure.

The album embodies a free-spirited, avant-garde approach to composition, blending elements of jazz, progressive rock, and experimental electronic music. Marchetti's use of unconventional instrumentation and studio techniques marks Solstitium as an audacious departure from the more conventional library music of the era.

'Solstitium' remains a fascinating listening experience, revealing new layers with every listen, and it is not surprising that it has earned its place as one of Marchetti's most revered works, continuing to fascinate old fans and new listeners alike.

Bio

Gianni Marchetti collaborated with Tuscan singer-songwriter Piero Ciampi, an association that lasted for over 10 years. At an early age, he studied piano and later enrolled at the Accademia nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, continuing his regular course of studies.

Through a fortuitous consultation, in the early 1960s he came into contact with RCA Italiana, which was in the process of establishing its own music publishing house. One of the first hits of this publishing house was "What a Sky", composed by Giovanni Fusco for the film "I Delfini" by Francesco Maselli. It was sung by the newcomer Nico Fidenco, who made the acquaintance of Marchetti and collaborated with him on the composition of his next 45 rpm, "Legata A Un Granello Di Sabbia", which was destined for a huge recording success in Italy.

After a series of concerts in North America (New York, Toronto, Los Angeles), he returned to Italy, where he was entrusted with the production of another newcomer singer, Bobby Solo, for whom he signed the arrangement of the famous "Una Lacrima Sul Viso" and the composition of many of his later songs, including the 1965 Sanremo Festival winner "Se Piangi, Se Ridi".

In the same years, Gianni Marchetti approached soundtrack composition through another Roman label, CAM. Among the films he set to music are "Colpo di Stato" directed by Luciano Salce, "Fai in fretta ad uccidermi... ho freddo!" directed by Maselli, "Nipoti Miei Diletti" directed by Franco Rosswetti e "I Sette Fratelli Cervi" directed by Gianni Puccini.

Marchetti went on to compose music for around sixty films, sometimes signing himself with the pseudonym Joe Dynamo.