Sivori, (Ernesto) Camillo

Sivori, (Ernesto) Camillo , renowned Italian violinist and composer; b. Genoa, Oct. 25, 1815; d. there, Feb. 19, 1894. At a very early age he began violin lessons with Restano and then with Giacomo Costa, Paganini’s former teacher. After further training with Agostino Dellepiane, he received instruction from Paganini himself (1824). In 1827 he made his debut in Genoa, then performed in London and Paris. Returning to Genoa, he took lessons in composition with Giovanni Serra (1829); played first violin in the theater orch., and taught at the Cons. He made an extensive tour of Europe in 1841–12, and then toured throughout the world during the next 14 years with great success; won notable acclaim during his tours of North and South America (1846–50). From 1855 his career was centered in Europe, where he made regular appearances in France, Italy, Germany, and England. He resided in Paris (1863–92), and then retired to Genoa. Many honors were bestowed upon him, including the French Legion d’honneur in 1886. He was one of the great violin virtuosos of the 19^th century; his demanding compositions include 2 violin concertos (both 1841) and numerous solo violin pieces, including the greatly admired Études-caprices (1867).

Bibliography

E. James, C. S.: A Sketch of His life, Talent, Travels and Successes (London, 1845; second ed., 1846); G. Da Fieno, Die due chiarissimi genovesi: Cav. C. S., violinista e comm. F. Romani, poeta lirico (Milan, 1871); A. Pierrottet, C. S. (Milan, 1896); F. Menardi Noguera, C. S.: La vita, i concerti, le musiche (Genoa, 1991).

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire