Umberto Giordano - biographical facts
Umberto Giordano (1867-1948) was an Italian composer born in Foggia. He studied music at the Conservatory of Naples with Serrao,
and while there received the commission to write his first opera, Mala
Vita. A few years later Regina Diaz was presented, but without success.
The next opera to follow was Andrea Chénier, and this was such a success
that it made Giordano famous outside of Italy. Fedora, which was first
given in 1898, was almost as great a success as Andrea Chénier, while
Siberia, which was given in 1904, was not so successful. After this
Giordano did not write any operas until 1913, when Mese Mariano
appeared. This showed improvement, but did not achieve the acclaim that
Andrea Chénier did.
