There is no doubt that the relationship between Italian-Americans and music was a very cherished and celebrated romance. The celebration of music seems to have directly mirrored the Italian-Americans’ victory in their pursuit of happiness in the United States. The events one expects from a community’s unity with music – performances, galas, music halls – were produced in number, as well as one particular phenomenon. During the late 19th century a competition became popular amongst pianists which The Musical Times called “preposterous displays of endurance.” This competition tested the length of time for which a pianist could play the pianoforte without reprieve or repetition and while playing from memory. The man who held the title of “pianofortitude,” a term coined during the time, was Camillo Baucia (n.d.) of Cuneo, Italy. Baucia stole the prestige from a Mr. Napoleon Bird in 1896 by playing the pianoforte for forty-six hours – a full two hours longer than Bird. Demonstrating cultural pride typical to the Italian immigrant, Baucia’s repertoire of memorized music consisted of Italian numbers such as Carmen, Faust, and Mignon. Rumor has it that an embittered Bird challenged Baucia to play for fifty hours. It would seem, judging from the poster, that Baucia rose to the challenge. For .50 to .25 cents spectators could view the three-day-long performance by “the sensation of Europe.” 

Unlike the others described throughout the exhibit, Baucia was not a New York-based Italian-American. He was a traveling performer who demonstrated his unique endurance throughout the United States of America. In fact, this particular advertisement traveled to the Center of Migration Studies from Baltimore, MD. However, his fame was disseminated through both Italian and American newspapers in both countries. Furthermore, due to his role as an Italian-American musician he was no doubt known in New York City’s Little Italy as an icon of success. 

 

One of the songs that Camillo Baucia used to play often was entitled, "Cavalleria Rsticana," which translates to "Rustic Chivalry".  It is an opera in one act written by Pietro Mascagni and adapted from the play and short story by Giovanni Verga.  A clip of the song, though not performed by Camillo Baucia himself, is provided below.  We do not claim ownership of this video.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

 

Music and musicians. (1896, May 7). San Francisco Call, pp. 7.

 

The pianoforte and its enemies. (1896). The Musical Times and Singing Class Circular, 37(639), 308.

 

The University of Michigan. (1896). The musical times and singing class circular: Volume 37. London & New York: Novello, Ewer and Co.

 

Metadata tags: Camillo Baucia; the marvel of Europe; the sensation of Europe; pianoforte; endurance competitions; Napoleon Bird; Italian music; performer; Baltimore, Maryland; pursuit of happiness