Giulio Ricordi

Giulio Ricordi

Italian publisher, editor and musician
Date of Birth: 19.12.1840
Country: Italy

Content:
  1. Julio Ricordi: Italian Publisher, Editor, and Musician
  2. Early Life and Career
  3. Casa Ricordi and Contribution to Music
  4. Recognition and Legacy

Julio Ricordi: Italian Publisher, Editor, and Musician

Julio Ricordi, born on December 19, 1840, in Milan, Italy, was an Italian publisher, editor, and musician. He published his own musical works under the pseudonym Jules Burgmein. Ricordi played a significant role in the development of Casa Ricordi, his father Tito Ricordi's publishing company.

Early Life and Career

Julio Ricordi was born in Milan, where he also passed away on June 6, 1912. He managed the family publishing business from 1888 to 1912, during which time Casa Ricordi reached the pinnacle of its success and prosperity. The company, founded in 1808 by violinist Giovanni Ricordi, remained under direct family management until 1919.

Casa Ricordi and Contribution to Music

In addition to sheet music and scores, Casa Ricordi published several popular journals, including "La gazzetta musicale," "Musica e musicisti," and "Ars et labor," as well as other various publications such as "La biblioteca del pianist," "l'Opera Omnia di Frédéric Chopin," "L'arte musicale in Italia," and "Le Sonate di Domenico Scarlatti."

During the early 20th century, Ricordi opened several new branches of the publishing house, expanding its product range. Julio Ricordi is primarily remembered today as the publisher of late operas by Giuseppe Verdi. He had a keen eye for new talent and actively promoted young composers, including Amilcare Ponchielli, Alfredo Catalani, Umberto Giordano, and, of course, Giacomo Puccini, whose musical gifts Ricordi held in high regard. Despite their relatively small age difference, Ricordi became something of a father figure to Puccini, strict but trusted.

Recognition and Legacy

Ricordi also published the works of a young Lorenzo Perosi. In February 1882, he was awarded the title of Commander of the Order of the Crown of Italy by royal decree. Julio Ricordi appears as a character in the musical play "After Aida," written in 1985 by Julian Mitchell. In the play, Ricordi attempts to persuade the retired Verdi to collaborate with the young librettist Arrigo Boito on an opera, which eventually becomes the famous "Otello."

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