Angelo Mariani

Angelo Mariani (1821 – 1873), Italian composer and conductor.

Quotes about Angelo Mariani:

 * Angelo Mariani was considered at that time the prince director, the genius director! The Italian orchestra, under him, had in fact transformed. Before Mariani, the conductors, reputed [sic] even the most talented, had limited themselves to obtaining accuracy, balance, intonation from the orchestra, i.e. the qualities indispensable for a good performance. With him the orchestra suddenly elevated itself to the mission of interpreter, of true collaborator of the author's thoughts and feelings. (Gino Monaldi)


 * I had the opportunity to follow Mariani in his artistic wanderings for a few years, and I was able to convince myself of the omnipotent charm he exercised on the orchestra and of the prodigious effect he had on the performance. The great strength of intellect and of heart that constituted his beautiful artistic personality manifested itself immediately at the first rehearsal. As soon as he stepped onto the director's stool, Mariani already knew exactly the merits and defects of his orchestra. (Gino Monaldi)

Antonio Ghislanzoni:

 * Angelo Mariani is nowadays considered, in addition to being a very distinguished violin player and a very elegant composer of chamber pieces, the most excellent orchestra conductor that Italy has.
 * Angelo Mariani was by chance the first in Italy who, coupling the office of concertmaster with that of orchestra director, taught by example the best means of obtaining, in great musical performances, true concert unity.
 * If it is legitimate to say, with a Gallic term, that a singer or an actor, called to interpret a new production on stage, become in a certain way creators of it, there is no one better than the concertmasters and orchestra directors of a musical score, this illustrious title belongs. [...] In this respect, the master concertmaster and conductor Cav. Angelo Mariani deserves, first in Italy, the title of creator.