Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1871

Death

:

1961

 

Roffredo Caetani was an Italian composer and conductor who lived from 1871 to 1961. He was born into a noble family in Rome, Italy, and was the son of Michelangelo Caetani, the Duke of Sermoneta, and Marie de Bourbon-Siciles, a French princess. His family was known for their love of music, and Roffredo was exposed to it from a young age. As a child, Roffredo Caetani showed a great interest in music and began studying the piano at the age of six. He was a prodigious talent and quickly became proficient in the instrument. He also showed an interest in composition and began writing his own music at a young age. In 1887, at the age of 16, Roffredo Caetani began studying composition with the Italian composer Giovanni Sgambati. Sgambati was a prominent figure in the Italian music scene at the time and was known for his work in the Romantic style. Under Sgambati's tutelage, Caetani honed his skills as a composer and began to develop his own unique style. In 1890, Caetani made his debut as a conductor, leading a performance of his own composition, the "Symphony in D minor," with the Orchestra of the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome. The performance was a success, and Caetani was praised for his skill as a conductor and composer. Over the next few years, Caetani continued to compose and conduct, and his reputation as a talented musician grew. In 1894, he was appointed the conductor of the Orchestra of the Accademia di Santa Cecilia, a position he held for 20 years. During his tenure, he conducted many premieres of works by Italian composers, including Ottorino Respighi and Ildebrando Pizzetti. In addition to his work as a conductor, Caetani continued to compose throughout his life. His compositions were influenced by the Romantic style of his teacher, Sgambati, as well as the music of Richard Wagner. His works include symphonies, operas, chamber music, and songs. One of Caetani's most famous works is his opera, "La Celestina," which premiered in Rome in 1919. The opera is based on the Spanish novel "La Celestina" by Fernando de Rojas and tells the story of a young man who falls in love with a prostitute. The opera was well-received and helped to establish Caetani as a major figure in the Italian music scene. Another notable work by Caetani is his "Symphony No. 2 in C minor," which premiered in 1905. The symphony is a large-scale work that showcases Caetani's skill as a composer. It is a complex and emotional piece that is considered one of his finest works. Throughout his life, Caetani was a champion of Italian music and worked to promote the works of Italian composers. He was also a supporter of new music and was known for his willingness to conduct premieres of works by young composers. In addition to his work as a musician, Caetani was also a patron of the arts and a collector of art and books. He was a member of the Accademia dei Lincei, a prestigious Italian scientific academy, and was also a member of the Italian Senate. Roffredo Caetani died in 1961 at the age of 90. He left behind a legacy as one of Italy's most important composers and conductors. His works continue to be performed and recorded today, and he is remembered as a major figure in the history of Italian music.

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