Vincenzo de Crescenzo (2)

Italian songwriter (1875–1964) DO NOT CONFUSE with similar Vincenzo de Crescenzo. His best-known compositions include "Tarantella Sincera," "Quanno 'A Femmena Vo'," "Calandrella Calandrè," "Guardann' A Luna," and "Canzone A Mare." From his NY Times obituary on October 14, 1964: Mr. Decrescenzo was a composer in the classical Neapolitan vein. His works were sung and recorded by such singers as Tito Schipa, Beniamino Gigli, and more recently, by Richard Tucker. He was a friend of Enrico Caruso, who also sang his music. Caruso placed him on a list of friends that he left to the Metropolitan Opera management when he died, so that the friends would be admitted to the opera house free. Primarily a song composer, Mr. DeCrescenzo's best‐known works, such as “Rondine Al Nido,” are practically bywords among followers of classical Neapolitan music. In later years, he taught voice to a few popular singers, among them Vic Damone and Tommy Leonetti. Mr. DeCrescenzo, a native of Italy, came to the United States in 1903 and later became a citizen.