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The tradition of music
Montecatini and its thermal waters have always offered an ideal background for inspiration to the greatest protagonists of music history.
Gioacchino Rossini used to stay at the Locanda Maggiore hotel where his ‘music room’ is still furnished as it was in the past. Giacomo Puccini, during his holidays in Montecatini Alto, worked at the music scores for the opera Fanciulla del West. He used to discuss projects for new operas with other illustrious guests, such as Arturo Toscanini and Enrico Caruso. Ruggero Leoncavallo was famous for livening up the sizzling cultural life of the charming town and literally fell in love with Montecatini, so much so that he ended up moving here. Giuseppe Verdi had been a habitué of Montecatini for nineteen years beginning in 1882. During his periods of stay, he happened to meet Arrigo Boito and Giulio Ricordi, and became friends with the director of the Locanda Maggiore hotel, Napoleone Melani, and Dr. Pietro Grocco. While in Montecatini, he composed the third act of Otello and the orchestral arrangements for Falstaff. A marker placed in Piazza del Popolo reminds visitors of his stays here. His piano, recently restored, is now on display at the “Dino Scalbrino” Art Academy. Eminent guests of Montecatini’s thermal establishments were, among others, Pietro Mascagni, Richard Strauss, Alberto Franchetti (who used to come here with Gabriele D'Annunzio), Umberto Giordano, Ildebrando Pizzetti, and Riccardo Zandonai.
The ties and the passion that Montecatini has for music have remained unchanged over time. Concerts, music festivals and special events are frequently organized that see the participation of distinguished musicians and conductors of international fame. Jazz, ethnic music, great interpreters and good contemporary music in general also find their perfect stage in Montecatini, as well as a passionate audience.
Information
APT Montecatini Terme/Valdinievole |
Viale Verdi66/68
51016 Montecatini Terme (PT)
Ph. +39 0572 772244
fax +39 0572 70109
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