Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1822

Death

:

1885

 

Michele Novaro was an Italian composer, born on December 23, 1818, in Genoa, Italy. He was the son of a musician, Giuseppe Novaro, who was a violinist in the orchestra of the Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa. Michele Novaro showed an early interest in music and began studying the violin with his father at a young age. Novaro's musical education continued at the Conservatory of San Pietro a Majella in Naples, where he studied composition with Nicola Antonio Zingarelli. He also studied the piano with Giuseppe Lillo and the violin with Luigi Tarditi. Novaro's talent as a composer was recognized early on, and he won several awards and prizes for his compositions while still a student. After completing his studies, Novaro returned to Genoa, where he worked as a music teacher and composer. He composed music for the theater, including operas, ballets, and incidental music for plays. He also wrote chamber music, including string quartets and piano trios. One of Novaro's most famous works is the Italian national anthem, "Il Canto degli Italiani" (The Song of the Italians), also known as "Fratelli d'Italia" (Brothers of Italy). Novaro composed the music for the anthem in 1847, and the lyrics were written by Goffredo Mameli. The song became popular during the Italian Risorgimento, a period of political and social upheaval that led to the unification of Italy in 1861. "Il Canto degli Italiani" was adopted as the national anthem of Italy in 1946. Novaro also composed music for the theater, including the opera "La contessa di Mons" (The Countess of Mons), which premiered in Genoa in 1852. The opera was well-received and was performed in several Italian cities. Novaro also composed ballet music, including "La Sylphide" and "La Fille mal gardée." In addition to his work as a composer, Novaro was also a musicologist and collector of folk songs. He traveled throughout Italy, collecting and transcribing traditional songs and dances. He published several collections of folk songs, including "Canti popolari italiani" (Italian Folk Songs), which was published in 1864. Novaro died on October 21, 1885, in Genoa, Italy. He is remembered as one of Italy's most important composers, and his music continues to be performed and celebrated today. His contribution to Italian music and culture is immeasurable, and his legacy lives on through his compositions and his work as a collector and transcriber of folk songs.

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