Video 1: Performed by Bridge and Wolak: “The Love Theme from Cinema Paradiso” — one of the most unforgettable melodies by the great Ennio Morricone.
Recorded live, Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, Kingston ON.
Produced by Music Mind Inc.

Video 2: “Remembering Ennio” composed and performed by Joseph Natoli

Ennio Morricone, OMRI (10 November 1928 – 6 July 2020) was an Italian composer, orchestrator, conductor, and trumpet player who wrote music in a wide range of styles. Excerpts from his website: Ennio Morricone is rightly considered one of the world’s greatest film composers, a legend whose work has reached far beyond the scorched desert-scapes of Almeria (A Few Dollars More) and the tumultuous waters of Iguazu Falls (The Mission). Much sought after by filmmakers the world over for his matchless versatility and productivity, Morricone’s innovative soundworks and truly exhaustive range of musical styles complemented practically every conceivable movie genre there is.

However, he did not solely restricted himself to the silver screen, having created some remarkable signature pieces for radio and theatre, together with extensive forays into both absolute and applied music. Fondly referred to as il maestro by his peers, Morricone was just that: a master of his craft, a true virtuoso, effortlessly interweaving contrasting styles to produce some of the most sublime music of our day.

Michael Bridge (accordions & piano) and Kornel Wolak (clarinet & piano) are an internationally-acclaimed music & comedy duo, integrating traditional acoustic instruments with 21st century digital technology. They perform their own uniquely re-imagined repertoire of classical, world and jazz fusion. With deft virtuosity and endless wit, Bridge & Wolak have been called the “Victor Borges of the 21st Century.” Fun-loving gentlemen (with seven degrees in music), they are both globe-trotting musicians and educators. They were nominated for the BC Touring Artist of the Year award in 2019. “Watch and be amazed!” —CBC

Joe Natoli shares his thoughts, “One of the greatest film composers ever. I always marveled at his ability to achieve the greatest amount of emotive effect with such pristine economy of melody and harmony. I am a mere mortal compared to Maestro Morricone, but I have attempted to do the same with this dedication. What a great loss to the music world. RIP Maestro. You will be sadly missed.”

Ennui Morricone will never be forgotten.