Alfredo Casella

Born in Turin in 1883, Alfredo Casella showed early ability as a pianist, an inheritance gained from his father, two uncles and his paternal grandfather, all who were deeply involved in music. It was from his mother that he received his first piano lessons, but he soon outstripped her tuition, and at the age of twelve it was decided he should seek entry into the Paris Conservatoire. In 1896 he moved there, and in 1901 was admitted into the composition class of Gabriel Fauré.