Alfredo Casella lived from 1883 to 1947. He was an influential Italian composer, pianist, and conductor. A prominent figure in the early 20th-century Italian music scene, Casella was known for his efforts to modernize Italian music and introduce new styles and techniques. He was a leading member of the "Generazione dell'Ottanta," a group of composers born around the 1880s who sought to rejuvenate Italian music. Casella's works encompass a wide range of genres, including orchestral, chamber, piano, and vocal music, often characterized by a blend of traditional and contemporary elements. In addition to his compositions, Casella was a respected teacher and a champion of contemporary music, playing a significant role in promoting the works of his peers and successors.
Casella was born in Turin, the son of Maria (née Bordino) and Carlo Casella. His family included many musicians: his grandfather, a friend of Paganini, was first cello in the San Carlo Theatre in Lisbon and eventually became soloist in the Royal Chapel in Turin. Alfredo's father, Carlo, was also a professional cellist, as were Carlo's brothers Cesare and Gioacchino; his mother was a pianist, who gave the boy his first music lessons. He died in Rome.
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