Composer Bernardo Sassetti dies aged 41

by Vitor Pinto

11/05/2012 - Today, Portuguese composer and pianist Bernardo Sassetti died aged 41. The musician fell from a cliff in Guincho, near Lisbon, while taking photos.

Sassetti started his career in 1987, and was considered to be one of the most talented jazz musicians of his generation. Lively and eclectic in his collaborations, Sassetti lent his talent to the silver screen on several occasions. He was notably behind the soundtrack for Marco Martins’ celebrated first film, Alice [trailer, film focus] (watch the video), as well as Doomed Love by Mário Barroso, Second Life by Alexandre Valente, and 98 Octanas by Fernando Lopes, who also died recently (read more).

During the period in which he lived in London, Sassetti participated both as musician and actor in The Talented Mr. Ripley by Anthony Minghella.

Sassetti was married to actress Beatriz Batarda (Swan [trailer]), with whom he had two daughters.