Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco (1895 - 1968)

A composer and pianist, Castelnuovo-Tedesco was born in Florence into an Italian Jewish family. In 1939 he moved to the United States, where, in common with other European composers in exile, he turned his hand to film music, providing scores for some 250 films. He died in Los Angeles in 1968.

Vocal and Choral Music

Castelnuovo-Tedesco was a very prolific composer. His songs include 33 attractive settings of Shakespeare which have won wide approval. He also made a significant contribution to Jewish music, an area of composition that he explored and developed particularly during his years in America.

Chamber Music

Castelnuovo-Tedesco wrote a quantity of varied chamber music, quintets, quartets and duos. His Figaro Variations from Rossini’s ‘The Barber of Seville’ make a useful addition to virtuoso cello repertoire.

Piano Music

Castelnuovo-Tedesco wrote as prolifically for the piano as he did in other genres. Until forced into exile he enjoyed a considerable reputation as a pianist, and his earlier piano compositions often reflect contemporary French influences.

Guitar Music

Castelnuovo-Tedesco made particularly useful additions to the solo guitar repertoire, notably in two concertos for solo guitar and one for two guitars, as well as a Capriccio diabolico, a tribute to the demon violinist Paganini.