Life
Trained in the heart of Risorgimento Romanticism, his long career led him to reach artistic maturity in the climate of the end of the century, a transitional era in which Realism and the new, more complex sensitivity of Decadentism coexisted.
Born in Busso in 1830, he showed a natural talent for music from a young age. At seventeen, he graduated in composition, harmony, and counterpoint from the San Pietro a Majella Conservatory in Naples. Immediately afterward, he organized and directed the first musical band in Bomba, later extending his activity to Casalanguida, Gessopalena, Agnone, Frosolone, Pescara, Ariano di Puglia, Terranova di Sicilia, and Catanzaro.
During 1860, he ran serious risks for having performed Garibaldi's Hymn, but he was always protected by the population that supported him. In 1882 he left for Argentina, directing the 12th Infantry Regiment band in Mendoza and later teaching in Buenos Aires. In 1886 he was commissioned to orchestrate the Argentine National Anthem for band and orchestra for the court of St. Petersburg.
Returning to Italy in 1905, he lived in Florence until his death in 1915. The Municipality of Bomba dedicated a square in the ancient village to him as a tribute.
Aneddoto
The Risky Hymn
In 1860, he risked his life for playing Garibaldi's Hymn but was saved several times by the intervention of the local population.Works
He composed numerous military marches, pasodobles, songs for schoolchildren, and orchestral and piano pieces. He also wrote a treatise on harmony, contributing to musical pedagogy. His activity in Argentina saw him involved in arranging the Argentine National Anthem and reorganizing military bands.
Briciole di storia
Pubblico dominio (Commons)
