Gian Luca Tocchi, an Italian composer, received an Honorable Mention at the 1936 Berlin Olympics for his orchestral work Record in the Art Competitions, category Music, Compositions for Orchestra. He studied in Roma under Ottorino Respighi and graduated in 1926. His early works display a romantic and impressionist style influenced by Respighi. In the early 1930s, Tocchi’s works focus on contemporary subjects including his 1936 entry Record (from 1933), a symphonic impression, and a Concert for Jazz Band. He won several prizes, for instance at the National Exhibition of Contemporary Music in 1931. During the next decades, Tocchi toured Italy and other European countries as a conductor. From 1959-71 he held the chair of composition at the Conservatory of Music “Santa Cecilia” in Roma. Tocchi produced several classical works for the flute, harp, viola, clarinet, and piano, and also wrote film music in the 1930s. Among his works were school songbooks and song cycles with instrumental ensembles.
Italy