Sheet music by Antonio Torriani

Antonio Torriani, one of the most famous Italian bassoonists of the 19th century, studied on the Conservatorio in his hometown with Antonio Cantù from 1842-1850. In 1869 he joined the Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala and held this post until 1893. In addition he taught at the Conservatorio from 1868 - 1908. During this period he was in contact with Giuseppe Verdi, who was so impressed by Torriani’s playing that he wrote many of the bassoon solos in his late operas for him, also the famous solos in the Missa da Requiem. He played frequently in France where he was considered The King of Bassoons. Through all this time he was also a prolific arranger and com- poser and many of his pieces were published by Ricordi, incl. a revised edition of the Method from Etienne Ozi. Also he worked with the instrument maker Maino & Orsi on the development of the bassoon.