Francesco Cilea (1866-1950) was an Italian composer known for his contributions to the verismo movement in opera, a genre that sought to bring more realism to the operatic stage, with stories about everyday people and heightened emotional expression. Born in Palmi, Cilea developed a deep affinity for music at an early age and pursued his education at the Naples Conservatory, where he studied under the tutelage of renowned teachers such as Paolo Serrao.

Cilea's career was marked by a relatively small, but significant, operatic oeuvre, with "Adriana Lecouvreur" being his most famous and enduring work. Premiered in 1902 with great success, "Adriana Lecouvreur" is celebrated for its expressive arias and intermezzos, gaining fame as a staple in the soprano repertoire and a favorite among illustrious performers like Maria Callas. Though he composed a number of other operas, including "L'Arlesiana" and "Gloria," it is "Adriana Lecouvreur" that has truly immortalized his name in the canon of operatic music. Apart from his operas, Cilea's instrumental and chamber works, such as his piano compositions and art songs, although less widely known, display a distinctive lyrical quality and a rich, romantic style that are emblematic of Cilea's musical sensitivities and his contributions to the Italian romantic tradition.

Genres

Italian Opera

Italian Romanticism

Opera

Post-romantic Era

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Latest Release

Karajan A-Z: Cherubini - Gounod

Herbert von Karajan•

Frédéric Chopin•

Francesco Cilea•

Claude Debussy•

Léo Delibes•

Antonín Dvořák•

Remo Giazotto•

Umberto Giordano•

Christoph Willibald Gluck•

Charles Gounod

Album - 70 Tracks - Released August 23, 2024