Life
Trained at the height of Verdian Romanticism, his long career led him to reach artistic maturity in the complex climate of the Fin de siècle, a transitional era in which Realism poetics and the new sensitivity of Decadentism coexisted.
Ettore De Champs, born in Florence on August 8, 1835, was a composer and pianist of notable talent. His first musical instructions, particularly in flute, were given to him by his uncles Gioacchino and Giovanni Bimboni. Subsequently, he perfected his composition studies in Florence with Maestro Teodulo Mabellini. His career in musical theater began with the success of two ballets, presented at the Teatro Pagliano in the 1850s. From that moment, De Champs dedicated himself with passion to both composition and the teaching of singing, harmony, and, in particular, the piano.
Aneddoto
The innovative educator
Ettore De Champs was a multifaceted musician, but his curious spirit led him to reflect deeply on teaching. In 1882, during a conference, he proposed a critical analysis of the pedagogical methods of the time, demonstrating a modern approach and a rare sensitivity for the historical interpretation of music, especially regarding the works of Bach.Works
De Champs dedicated himself to the theater with great success, writing twelve operas and operettas that were very popular in Florence. Among his theatrical works are I tutori e le pupille (1869), Il califfo (1871), both performed at the Teatro della Pergola, and La secchia rapita (1872), a farce staged at the Teatro Goldoni. Other noteworthy works are L'alloggio militare (1876), Gosto e Mea (1876), and Il dottor Cosmos alchimista (1880). He also composed song cycles, such as the celebrated Fiori primaverili, Maggiolata, and Natale. Within his sacred production, four masses are counted.
Briciole di storia
Pubblico dominio (Commons)
