Adolfo Fumagalli

Adolfo Fumagalli (19 October 18283 May 1856) was a 19th-century Italian virtuoso pianist and composer, known today primarily for his virtuosic compositions for the left hand alone. Life Born in Inzago, Italy, he grew up in a very musically oriented environment. He had three brothers who also became musicians and composers, these being Carlo (1822–1907), Luca (1837–1908), Disma (1826–1893) and Polibio (1830–1901). Fumagalli stuided from 23 November 1837 to 7 September 1847 at the Milan Conservatory under Pietro Ray for counterpoint and Angeleri for piano. Afterwards in 1848, at the age of 20, made his Milan debut with some success. He had a series of popular concert tours throughout the major cities of Italy, France and Belgium until 1854. His greatest sensation when he began performing his compositions for left hand alone. He was among the first to make piano pieces for one hand, along with Alexander Dreyschoc. Although he looked rather frail, as is evident from paintings of him, he had a phenomenal technique and strong fingers that astonished everyone. In 1854 he returned to Italy, where he alternated between concert tours and composing. In 1856 he was given an Erard grand piano f