Alfredo Casella

Alfredo Casella was an Italian composer, pianist, and conductor born in Turin on 25 July 1883. Coming from a musical family, he entered the Conservatoire de Paris in 1896, where he studied under Diémer and Fauré. His circle in Paris included Debussy, Stravinsky, and Falla. Casella returned to Italy during WWI, then taught piano at the Conservatorio Santa Cecilia in Rome, and conducted the Boston Pops from 1927 to 1929. As a pianist, he formed the Trio Italiano in 1930, which played to great acclaim. Works include 'La Giara', 'Italia', and the 'Concerto Romano'. He promoted modern Italian music and was instrumental in reviving interest in Vivaldi's works. Casella died in Rome on 5 March 1947【23†source】.