Previtali, Fernando

Previtali, Fernando , prominent Italian conductor; b. Adria, Feb. 16, 1907; d. Rome, Aug. 1, 1985. He studied cello, piano, and composition at the Turin Cons., then was Gui’s assistant at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino (1928–36). He was chief conductor of the Rome Radio orch. (1936–43; 1945–53) and also conducted at Milan’s La Scala and at other major Italian opera houses. From 1953 to 1973 he was chief conductor of the Orchestra Sinfonica dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, which he led on tours abroad. On Dec. 15, 1955, he made his U.S. debut as a guest conductor with the Cleveland Orch. Previtali became well known for his advocacy of contemporary Italian composers, and conducted the premieres of numerous operas and orch. works. He was also a composer; wrote the ballet, Allucinazioni (Rome, 1945), choral works, chamber music, etc. He publ. Guida allo studio della direzione d’orchestra (Rome, 1951).

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire

Previtali, Fernando (b Adria, 1907; d Rome, 1985). It. conductor and composer. Ass. to Gui at Florence Maggio Musicale 1928–36. Cond. It. Radio Orch. 1936–43, 1945–53, S. Cecilia Orch. 1953–73. Guest cond. European orchs. from 1948. Amer. début, Cleveland Orch. 1955. Noted for radio opera perfs. Author of books on mus. Wrote ballet and other works.