With a name like Vittorio Giannini, one might imagine a late nineteenth century verismo composer with inscrutable features owing to heavy growth of beard and fiery eyes. Nevertheless, Giannini was a clean-shaven American who favored a crew cut and a suit and tie; in his youth he was quite a sharp dresser, but as his 63 years on this earth played out, Giannini's suit gradually became a bit more rumpled and sometimes he even left the tie at home; his was reportedly an open, engaging, and exceedingly pleasant personality. ...
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With a name like Vittorio Giannini, one might imagine a late nineteenth century verismo composer with inscrutable features owing to heavy growth of beard and fiery eyes. Nevertheless, Giannini was a clean-shaven American who favored a crew cut and a suit and tie; in his youth he was quite a sharp dresser, but as his 63 years on this earth played out, Giannini's suit gradually became a bit more rumpled and sometimes he even left the tie at home; his was reportedly an open, engaging, and exceedingly pleasant personality. Giannini was a highly respected teacher with a faculty vita that included Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, and the Curtis Institute; David Amram and John Corigliano both passed through his careful instruction. Although his Italian heritage may have played a part in such preferences, it would have taken more aptitude than just that to propel him through three consecutive fellowships at the American Academy in Rome, which he fulfilled in the early '30s. One aspect of Giannini that...
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