Interrupted Mass – Antonio Lucio Vivaldi

Because of his red hair, famous Venetian Baroque composer and priest Antonio Lucio Vivaldi (1678-1741) was nicknamed The Red Priest (il Prete Rosso).

Although he managed successfully to balance his occupations, as a priest and as a musician, on one occasion Vivaldi found himself before the ecclesiastical court.

Why?

Because he felt a sudden wave of inspiration while holding a Mass, and he interrupted it and went to take a paper and a pen.  At the dismay of other priests and believers who came to attend mass, he had to immediately write down his musical thoughts.

read more...

Who is whistling? - Felice Cavallotti

Italian politician and dramatic author Felice Cavallotti (1842-1898) couldn’t accept the fact that the audience didn’t like some of his theatrical works. When some critic heavily attacked one of his work after its premiere, Cavallotti went straight to the editor of the paper that published the article.

“That critic of yours didn’t like my work because of my party allegiances!" - Shouted Cavallotti.

“Dear mister Cavallotti,” the editor answered him calmly, “those who booed your work at the theater weren’t members of some political party, but a very small group of people that have actually watched your play”.

read more...

Threats – Mario Puzo

When the novel “The Godfather” was published, Frank Sinatra (1915-1998) threatened the author of the book, Mario Puzo (1920-1999), because he believed that he served the author as an inspiration for the fictional mobster, singer and actor in the book, Johnny Fontane.

Puzo was enraged after hearing Sinatra’s threats:

“I do remember him saying that if it wasn’t that I was so much older than he, he would beat the hell out of me. What hurt was that here he was, a northern Italian, threatening me, a southern Italian, with physical violence. This was roughly equivalent to Einstein pulling a knife on Al Capone. It just wasn’t done.”

read more...

Theater – Giosue Borsi

During a theatrical performance in the ancient theater in Syracuse, an American tourist approached Italian writer Giosue Borsi (1888-1915). The tourist was deeply impressed with the theatrical performance, as well as with the amphitheater.

„We in America have also a theater such as this one“ – the tourist exclaimed proudly. „What do you think, how much time do we need to build such a structure?“ – he asked the writer.

“Well ... about two thousand years.” - Giosue Borsi answered.

read more...

The faithful servant – Count Alessandro di Cagliostro (Giuseppe Balsamo)

During Count Alessandro di Cagliostro’s (1743 – 1795) lifetime, and especially after his death, many incredible stories were circulating among the people about his wizarding powers.

One of many was a rumor that he had discovered the potion of “eternal youth” and that he was more than 300 years old.

Unfortunately, curious people were unable to confirm nor refute these rumors.

One of them asked Cagliostro’s servant if he knew how old his master really was.

Bearing in mind the kind of answer the curious man was expecting, witty servant replied:

- I have no idea how old my master is! I am in his service for merely a century!

read more...

Soul trapped in a violin – Niccolo Paganini

Even when he was still alive, people often claimed that famous Italian violinist Niccolo Paganini (1782-1840) has sold his soul to the devil in exchange for a gift of unmistakable playing.

However, Paganini always denied this and claimed that his soul is, in fact, trapped in a violin.

On one occasion, when Paganini’s precious violin began to curve, he realized that he would have to take it to some constructor of musical instruments who will repair it.

Since he didn’t wanted to lose the violin out of his sight, he watched carefully the repairing process.

Bathed in sweat, trembling, Paganini waited for the outcome of repair.

Each time he heard the sound of tools and creaking of wood, Paganini started to cry and sob.

“My God, this is as if you’re drilling my womb with a chisel.” – cried the famous violinist.

read more...

Devil and his apprentice – Georg Friedrich Handel and Francesca Cuzzoni

When capricious singer, soprano Francesca Cuzzoni (1696-1778), refused to sing the aria 'Falsa immagine' from Handel's opera "Ottone, re di Germania", Georg Friedrich Handel (1685-1759) threatened her that he will fling her out of the window.

At first, the singer and composer began to argue fiercely, but then he thundered:

“Oh! Madame I know well that you are a real she-devil, but I hereby give you notice, me, that I am Beelzebub, the Chief of Devils."

Having said that, Handel grabbed her around the waist and carried her to the window, threatening that he will fling her out, if she doesn’t do what he says.

Francesca started begging for mercy.

She was now ready to sing the aria.

read more...

Statue – Gioachino Rossini

Parisians, fans of the famous Italian composer Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868), were so enthusiastic about his operas that they decided to raise a statue with his image while he was still alive.

They collected twenty thousand francs and started to confer which sculptor should they hire to do it.

However, Rossini arrived at that moment and interrupted their argument with the following words:

"Give me the twenty thousand, and I'll stand on the pedestal myself!”

read more...

Secret admirer – Gioachino Rossini

"Maestro, since I'm not able to write you what I can tell you in private, be in the theater 'La Scala' tonight, in a box number nine, during the performance of your opera. I will wait for you with impatience in my heart. Your secret admirer."

When the famous Italian composer Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) received this letter, he immediately began to prepare himself for a date in the theater. He even put a wig to look younger.

As soon as he arrived at the theater, the theater manager told him, casually, that a beautiful lady, who just arrived in Milan, reserved the box number nine and that she is a French ambassador’s wife.

Gioachino's heart started pounding wildly. Otherwise, he was known as a man who doesn’t miss any opportunity for flirting. 

However, the curtain went up, the opera began, but no one came to the box. Rossini was sitting there, lonely and disappointed.

Finally, a doorman came and brought him an envelope. He opened it and found a letter that said:

"Maestro, His Excellency the Ambassador of France has long been a widower. So tonight, you'll be alone in the box. Your eternal admirer – April Fool’s joke. "

read more...

False cheers – Giuseppe Verdi

Although he gained fame during his lifetime, Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) was not completely convinced that his entire work will survive the course of history, so he burned some of his early compositions.

In addition, when Italian patriots cheered “Verdi! Verdi!“ after he performed some opera, he usually refused to bow. Why?

- I know that they don't cheer for me, but for someone else to whom they do not dare in public! - Giuseppe Verdi used to say.

His surname was an acronym within the Risorgimento (Italian unification).  Verdi stood for Vittorio Emanuele Re D'Italia, Victor Emmanuel, King of Italy.

read more...

Now I Know!

When the Italian composer Luigi Arditi (1822-1903), who was famous  opera conductor, once visited England, the kind hosts wanted to show him the sights.

One of Arditi’s friends suggested that they visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

       - It would be a shame for you to leave England, and not go to Stratford-upon-Avon where Shakespeare was born - said to him the musician.
       - But, who was this Shakespeare of yours? - Arditi asked the stunned hosts.
       - Have you not heard of "Othello," "Romeo and Juliet" ...
       - Ah, yes! - the musician hit himself on the forehead. - Now I remember! Of course I know him! He is that libretto writer!

read more...