Romano Romani

Italian American pianist, bandleader, composer, and arranger, a.k.a Nino Romani (b. February 6, 1882 in Livorno, Italy - d. July 5, 1958 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA) A protege of Giacomo Puccini, Romani studied at the Royal Conservatory of Naples and at the Conservatory of Music in Milan. At age 19, he was appointed musical director and in-house conductor of the Columbia Graphophone Co. branch in Milan, Italy. Later, he served in the same capacity for the Columbia Graphophone Co. in New York City. As a composer, Romani had three operas to his credit, "Zulma," "Rosana," and "Fedra." The last of these, which premiered in 1915, won the National Italian opera contest. He also wrote numerous Italian songs, including "L'Occhi Neri," "Povera Giulia," "Di Ghe No", "Serenata Del Torero," and "La Maiella." Romani also taught music and voice. One of his star pupils was Metropolitan Opera singer Rosa Ponselle.