Alfredo Catalani (19 June 1854 – 7 August 1893) was an Italian opera composer who is most renowned for his works that contributed to the late Romantic era. Born into a local musical dynasty in Lucca, Italy, Catalani was initially educated at the Liceo Musicale in his hometown before moving on to advance his studies at the Milan Conservatory. His compositional output was modest yet significant, comprising of a handful of operas among which "La Wally" and "Loreley" are considered his masterpieces, earning him a distinguished place in the canon of Italian opera.

Catalani's works are characterized by their emotive intensity and the lush orchestration typical of the era. "La Wally," with its famous aria "Ebben? Ne andrò lontana," remains a beloved piece in the soprano repertoire and has embedded itself into popular culture, partly due to its inclusion in film soundtracks. Despite his career being cut short by his untimely death from tuberculosis at the age of 39, Catalani's influence endured, particularly resonant in his vocal-writing excellence and the deeply dramatic nature of his music. Although his name may not be as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, the continued performances of his works in the 21st century are a testament to the lasting beauty and appeal of his operatic compositions.

Genres

Italian Opera

Italian Romanticism

Late Romantic Era

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Giuseppe Verdi

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Ottorino Respighi

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Maria Callas

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Latest Release

Maria Callas - Cinema

Maria Callas•

Alfredo Catalani•

Camille Saint-Saëns•

Francesco Cilea•

Gaetano Donizetti•

Georges Bizet•

Giacomo Puccini•

Giuseppe Verdi•

Umberto Giordano•

Vincenzo Bellini

Album - 19 Tracks - Released October 11, 2024