internationally renowned arranger and conductor, collaborator for four decades with Renato Zero and other famous singers and composers, author of soundtracks for many films and television shows: maestro Renato Serio died in Rome at the age of 78 after a long illness.
In his busy career, Serio was the musical director of the 2005 and 2006 editions of the Sanremo Festival and also composed “Forza Italia”, Silvio Berlusconi’s party anthem of the same name arranged by maestro Augusto Martelli.
Life
Towards the end of the 60’s he began to collaborate with various record companies and in 1971 he moved to Rome where he collaborated with the most famous soundtrack authors in Italy.such as Ritz Ortolani, Piero Piccioni, Carlo Rustichelli and Armando Trovajoli, creating music for films such as “A particular day” by Ettore Scola and “Profumo di donna” by Dino Risi. In 1977 he arrived at Rai, arranging the music for the broadcast “Piccolo Slam” with Stefania Rotolo and Sammy Barbot; he would then lead the orchestra in “Stasera niente di nuova” in 1981 and in the first edition of the variety show “Serata d’Onore” (1984) directed by Pippo Baudo. On Rai he was the director of four editions of “Fantastico” (1985, 1987, 1988 and 1991).
his activity as a director in the field of musical comedy and theatre: “Take a Seat at the Table” by “Bravo”, “If Time Were a Shrimp”, “They’re Playing Our Song” and “Barnum”.
The artists he directed
Always as director and arranger he collaborated with Francesco De Gregori for “La donna cannone”, Angelo Branduardi, Gianni Morandi, Mia Martini, Amii Stewart, Anna Oxa and Amedeo Minghi. His contribution to the development of computer music is of particular importance, having shown an interest in the development of synthesizers. Renato Serio has made a historic partnership with Renato Zero starting from the album ”Via Tagliamento 1965-1970″ (1982) being one of the main collaborators, including arrangements and directing.
The first three songs written by Serio for the Romanian singer-songwriter came in 1987: “Souvenir” and “Più o meno”, recorded on the album “Zero”, and “O Dino o Sauro”, later released in ”La conscience di Zero” (1991). Then Serio would co-author the Sanremo song “Ave Maria” (which he also performed on stage), which brought Zero fifth place at the Festival in 1993. From there many other songs followed, composed or performed by Serio, and above all the direction of the various orchestras that have succeeded with Renato Zero’s journeys over the years.
Among Serio’s hits, the live orchestral arrangement of the “Triangolo / Mi Vendo” medley stands out.which was revived from the mid-90s onwards for the next twenty years. In 2000 Serio also directed the orchestra of the TV program “Tutti gli Zeri del mondo”, conceived and hosted by Zero, and a few years before that he wrote the song ”Matti”, then the theme song for “Hello Darwin” program. “, hosted by the couple Paolo Bonolis -Luca Laurenti on Canale 5.
The latest collaborations
The last major live collaboration between the two Renatos was for the show “Zerovskij – Solo per amore”, by Serio and his large orchestra who accompanied Zero on tour, and two years later the tour will end with “Zero the fool”, recorded by his orchestra led by Serio and broadcast on the wall LED.
In 2006 Serio published the CD “Journey to the Kingdom of the Beatles”, where he reworked the most successful songs of the British band in a symphonic key. To create this work he worked with the Innovative Synthetic Orchestra, which he created, which is characterized by a successful combination of acoustic and electronic instruments.
In 2009 he took care of the arrangements of the show “SPA solo per amore” with Loretta Goggi, directed by Gianni Brezza. In 2010, he conducted the orchestra at the Sanremo festival for Pupo, Emanuele Filiberto and Luca Canonici which came second. Also in 2010 he conducted the Nova Amadeus orchestra in the musical ”The Betrothed – Modern Opera”.
In 2011 he wrote the music for the musical “Rûn na Mara” directed by Gino Landi and screenplay by Luca Gregori.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Renowned Music Expert
Time.news Editor (T.E.): Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today to reflect on the remarkable life and legacy of maestro Renato Serio. His recent passing at the age of 78 has prompted discussions about the monumental impact he had on the music scene, especially in Italy. What would you say was the most defining characteristic of Serio’s work?
Music Expert (M.E.): Good afternoon! It’s a pleasure to be here. I believe the most defining characteristic of Renato Serio’s work was his remarkable versatility. Whether as an arranger, conductor, or director, he managed to seamlessly blend different musical genres and styles. He had a unique ability to elevate the performances of the artists he collaborated with, making each piece a memorable experience.
T.E.: That’s an interesting point. His long-standing collaboration with artists like Renato Zero highlights his ability to adapt and innovate. Can you elaborate on the significance of their partnership?
M.E.: Absolutely. The partnership between Serio and Renato Zero was pivotal not only for both their careers but also for the evolution of Italian pop music. Starting with the album “Via Tagliamento 1965-1970”, Serio’s arrangements brought a distinct depth and emotionality to Zero’s music. The songs they created together, like “Souvenir” and “Ave Maria,” showcased Serio’s knack for connecting with audiences through orchestral arrangements, and they remain iconic to this day.
T.E.: Speaking of iconic moments, Serio’s role as musical director for the Sanremo Festival is often one of the highlights of his career. What do you think he contributed to that event?
M.E.: Sanremo Festival is one of the most prestigious music contests in Italy, and Serio’s influence was substantial. His experience and understanding of orchestrations allowed him to craft memorable performances that resonated with both live audiences and television viewers. His leadership in the 2005 and 2006 editions definitely left a lasting impression and further solidified his reputation as a leading figure in Italian music.
T.E.: And let’s not forget his contributions to soundtracks. His work on films like “A Particular Day” and “Profumo di Donna” has significantly shaped Italian cinema. How do you see his impact in that arena?
M.E.: Serio had an incredible gift for composition that transcended traditional song formats. His scores added layers of emotion to the narratives in those films. Collaborating with famous composers, he was able to create soundscapes that enhanced the storytelling. His work in film has ensured his legacy not just in music but in the wider cultural landscape as well.
T.E.: Lastly, is there a particular moment or achievement in Serio’s career that you believe exemplifies his contribution to music and the arts?
M.E.: One standout moment would definitely be his live orchestral arrangement of the “Triangolo / Mi Vendo” medley in the mid-90s. It was not just a performance; it was a celebration of artistry that brought together the best of what he could do. The energy, creativity, and sheer talent on display were a testament to his lifelong dedication to music. This moment encapsulated everything he represented.
T.E.: Thank you for your insightful reflections on maestro Renato Serio’s life and work. His passing is indeed a loss for the music community, but his influence will continue to inspire future generations.
M.E.: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we remember and celebrate the legacies of artists like Renato Serio, who shaped the soundscape of our culture in profound ways.