Romeo Cascarino

Full biography Romeo Cascarino

Romeo Cascarino was an American composer of classical music born on September 28 , 1922, in Philadelphia. He was a self-taught composer who started his musical journey by learning to play the piano at a young age. Later, he studied music on his own and began composing his own works. In 1950, Cascarino completed a Portrait of Galatea, which was recorded by the Philadelphia Philharmonia, conducted by JoAnn Falletta and was included on Naxos.

Cascarino was also a respected teacher and taught music for many years, which included helping many composers who later became his pupils. He received a scholarship from composer Paul Nordoff, which enabled him to get a formal education in music, and he studied composition with Meyer Kupferman and saxophone with Joe Allard. He also attended Combs College of Music in Philadelphia, where he taught composition, harmony, and counterpoint and where he mentored several notable musicians, including Leon Mitchell, who went on to become a renowned jazz musician.

Cascarino's music was characterized by its soaring melodies and use of tonal harmony, which he believed to be the foundation of all good music. His works include orchestral pieces, chamber music, and solo compositions, and his music was performed widely during his lifetime. Some of his outstanding works include "Portrait of Galatea," "Toward the Sun," and "Annunciation."

Cascarino passed away on January 8, 2002, but his legacy endures to this day. His music continues to be performed and recorded, and he is remembered as a self-taught composer who had a deep love of music and an unrelenting dedication to his craft.