Composer of the Month 12/2013: Pietro Mascagni
(selected by Peter van Dessel / Belgium)
Uruguay 30.3.1995
|
Lim Kek-tjiang with the Intermezzo from Pietro Mascagni's opera "Cavalleria rusticana" |
|
The Italian composer Pietro Mascagni was born on 7 December 1863 in Livorno.
He studied with Amilcare Ponchielli, however, he broke the study off and joined
a traveling opera troupe. In 1885 he became conductor of the Municipal Orchestra
in Cerignola. In addition, he composed and 1889 participated with "Cavalleria rusticana"
in an opera competition of the Italian music publisher Sonzogno.
The opera was awarded the first prize and was at its world premiere in 1890 one of
the greatest achievements in music history. Being a shooting star of the Italian opera
scene, Mascagni enjoyed fame and fortune. In 1902 he traveled to the United States and
later to South America where he achieved great success with his works.
Mascagni composed more operas such as "L'amico Fritz" "Guglielmo Ratcliff" and "Lodoletta" which are appreciated by connoisseurs as important works of Verismo. However, the general public knows only "Cavalleria Rusticana", the unparalleled genius of the composer. Pietro Mascagni died on 2 August 1945 in Rome. In December 2013, the music world is celebrating his 150th Birthday. More composer can be found in the members only section |