Born in Naples on March 8, 1858, the Italian composer studied at the Naples College of Music and became a private music teacher and touring pianist in between those careers.
In 1892, Leoncavallo came out with the opera "I Pagliacci" (The Barber) in two acts. Together with the one act opera "Cavalleria Rusticana" by Pietro Mascagni (1863-1945), "The Barber" constitutes a wonderful one evening stage play in many concert houses and theatres.
I have been blessed to experience several stage performances in different European cities.
The barber's part, the cheated comedian, has been holding great attractions for many world known tenors.
Unbelievable for me: all other operas of Leoncavallo flopped, even containing wonderful and incredible melodies, who might break your hearts. "Der Roland von Berlin" (1904, dedicated to the last German Emperor II).
Leoncavalo passed away on August 9, 1919 in Montecatini Toscana County/Italy.
