Life
Trained in the heart of Risorgimento Romanticism, his long career led him to reach full artistic maturity during the post-unification Realism period, extending into the era of Decadentism.
Born in Venice in 1826, Nicolò Coccon was trained in the musical tradition of the lagoon city, pursuing a career that led him to be among the protagonists of nineteenth-century local musical life. He became organist and chapel master at St. Mark's Basilica, a post involving great prestige and responsibility.
He was an esteemed composer of sacred music, with masses, motets, and other pieces destined for liturgical worship. His work contributed to keeping the Venetian musical tradition alive in a century of transformations. His teaching activity formed numerous pupils. He died in Venice in 1903.
Aneddoto
Music at St. Mark's
On solemn feast days, his masses resonated in the crowded basilica, confirming the vitality of the Venetian musical tradition.Works
He composed solemn masses, motets, hymns, and numerous pieces for organ. His works were performed regularly at St. Mark's and in other churches in the city.
Briciole di storia
The glorious end of the Roman Republic
Following the Pope's flight, the Roman Republic was proclaimed on February 9, 1849—an experiment in highly advanced democracy led by a triumvirate headed by Giuseppe Mazzini. The Republic promulgated a constitution that provided for universal male suffrage, the abolition of the death penalty, and freedom of worship. But European Catholic powers, particularly Louis Napoleon Bonaparte's France, sent an army to restore the Pope's power. The city's defense was led by Giuseppe Garibaldi, who with his volunteers covered himself in glory in memorable battles like that of the Janiculum. After a month-long siege, the Republic, crushed by overwhelming forces, was forced to capitulate on July 4. Although defeated, it became the brightest and most powerful symbol of the democratic Risorgimento.
Pubblico dominio (Commons)
