Life
His training took place during the period of post-unification Realism, while his artistic maturity was expressed in the heart of the Fin de siècle, an era in which the poetics of Verismo, the refinements of Decadentism, and the suggestions of Symbolism intertwined.
Eduardo Di Capua was born in Naples in 1865. He studied at the Conservatory of San Pietro a Majella but interrupted his studies to follow his father Giacobbe, a violinist, on a European tour. During his travels, he began to compose, showing a natural talent for melody.
He was the author of numerous Neapolitan songs that became famous, thanks also to his collaboration with the poets Vincenzo Russo and Giovanni Capurro. With Russo, he composed tracks such as A serenata d' 'e rose, I' te vurria vasà, Torna Maggio, Chitarrata, and Maria Marì. With Capurro, he created 'O sole mio, his most famous composition, written in Odessa and destined for worldwide success.
His life was marked by a gambling addiction, which prevented him from fully enjoying the fruits of his compositions. Despite his fame, he lived in economic difficulty, hoping in vain for a lottery win. He died in Naples in 1917.
Aneddoto
Inspiration in Odessa
Di Capua wrote the melody of 'O sole mio during a trip to Odessa, far from Naples: an inspiration that conquered the world.Works
Among his famous pieces are A serenata d' 'e rose, I' te vurria vasà, Torna Maggio, Chitarrata, Maria Marì, and above all 'O sole mio. These songs, performed in theaters and squares, entered the repertoire of classical Neapolitan song and continue to be performed by international artists.
Briciole di storia
Pubblico dominio (Commons)
