Gaetano Braga

Full biography Gaetano Braga

Gaetano Braga was an Italian composer and cellist who lived from June 9 , 1829, to November 21, 1907. He was born in Giulianova in Abruzzi and studied at the Naples Conservatory with Salvatore Mercadante among others. He pursued a dual career as a virtuoso cellist and as a composer , writing, studying, teaching, and performing classical and chamber music.

Braga's works include compositions for the cello , including the Souvenir du Rhin for Cello & Piano, as well as vocal works such as La Serenata (Der Engel Lied) for Violin and Piano and choral pieces such as The Serenade. He also collaborated on two operas with Francesco Maria Piave, who was Verdi's librettist.

Braga's music has been rediscovered and celebrated in recent years, with collections such as Cantabile Vol. 2 - Rediscovered Music For Cello & Piano featuring a selection of his compositions. The Musical Museum in Braga's rebuilt home is also dedicated to the composer, and his music continues to be performed and enjoyed today.