Antonio Bazzini

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Antonio Bazzini

Antonio Bazzini (March 11, 1818-Feb 10, 1897) was an Italian violinist, composer and teacher born in Brescia, Italy. As a young boy, Bazzini was encouraged by Paganini which inspired him to begin his concert career at an early age. At 17 he was appointed organist of a church in his native town. When but 18 years of age, he met Paganini and became completely influenced by that master's art and style. For four years from 1843, he studied at Leipzig, devoting himself to Bach and Beethoven almost exclusively.[1] He was admired by Schumann and Mendelssohn and toured in Spain, Denmark, France and Germany. He taught at the Milan Conservatory, where he taught Catalani, Mascagni and Puccini. Bazzini died in Milan on Feb. 10, 1897.

[edit] Music

Bazzini was one of the most highly regarded artists of his time and influenced the great opera composer Puccini in his Grand Operas. His music was known for its highly virtuosic techniques. At about the age of 45 he devoted himself expressly to composition and scored a number of chamber pieces unlike his former famous operatic fantasy "La ronde des lutins, Elegie". Bazzini composed operas, cantatas, overtures, and symphonic poems. The chamber works remained his compositional forte.