Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Italy

Birth

:

September 4, 1852 in Milan, Italy

Death

:

March 4, 1941 in Como, Italy

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Edoardo Mascheroni was an Italian composer and conductor who lived from 1852 to 1922. He was born in Bergamo, Italy, and showed an early interest in music. His father was a musician, and Edoardo began studying the violin at a young age. He later studied composition with Amilcare Ponchielli at the Milan Conservatory. Mascheroni began his career as a conductor, leading orchestras in Italy and abroad. He conducted the premiere of Ponchielli's opera "La Gioconda" in 1876, and later conducted at La Scala in Milan. He also conducted in London, Paris, and other European cities. As a composer, Mascheroni wrote in a variety of genres, including opera, ballet, and orchestral music. His most famous work is the ballet "Les Millions d'Arlequin" (Harlequin's Millions), which premiered in 1900. The ballet tells the story of Harlequin, a character from Italian commedia dell'arte, who inherits a fortune and must choose between love and money. The music is lively and colorful, with influences from Russian and French music. Mascheroni also wrote several operas, including "Il Sogno di Rosetta" (Rosetta's Dream), which premiered in 1892. The opera tells the story of a young woman who dreams of becoming a singer, but is forced to marry a wealthy man instead. The music is lyrical and romantic, with influences from Verdi and Puccini. In addition to his ballets and operas, Mascheroni wrote several orchestral works, including the "Symphony in C minor," which premiered in 1885. The symphony is dramatic and passionate, with influences from Beethoven and Brahms. Mascheroni's music was well-received during his lifetime, and he was awarded several honors, including the Order of the Crown of Italy and the Order of the Star of Romania. However, his music fell out of favor after his death, and he is now largely forgotten. Despite this, Mascheroni's music is worth rediscovering. His works are full of melody and emotion, and show a mastery of orchestration and form. His ballet "Les Millions d'Arlequin" is a particular highlight, and remains a popular work in the ballet repertoire.

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