Polibio Fumagalli's compositional style underwent a significant change around 1879-1880, influenced by a controversy sparked by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns.
Composer Biography
Polibio Fumagalli came from a family of musicians; his three brothers, Disma, Adolfo, and Luca, were all concert pianists and composers for the piano.
Recording & Production
This album features two different Bernasconi organs from 1885 and 1892, located in churches in Vaprio d'Adda and Vercelli, Italy.
Composer Biography
Polibio Fumagalli, the composer, initially focused on other instruments and only became known as an organist and composer relatively late in his career.
Historical Context
Polibio Fumagalli contributed to the renewal of Italian organ music by opening the Italian organ school to European influences through his teaching and compositions.
Composer Biography
Despite his family's piano focus, Polibio Fumagalli initially studied composition and flute, earning his diploma in 1852 from the Conservatoire in Milan.
Instruments
The Bernasconi and Lingiardi organ builders were innovators who enriched the Italian organ by introducing new registers and perfecting the instrument's ability to imitate an orchestra.
