| The birthplace of opera, Italy is well known for its | | | | composed many operas inspired by her singing. Some |
| classical music. The piano and violin were invented in | | | | of his finest works were produced at the Teatro |
| Italy, and the influence of Italian composers is notable, | | | | Capranica in Rome, one of the city's most famous |
| with their development of musical forms such as the | | | | opera houses. On a walking holiday in Italy, visiting |
| symphony, concerto and sonata, establishing the | | | | these musically noteworthy sites is a must. |
| foundation for centuries of musical development. | | | | Touring Genoa and Parma with Paganini |
| The home towns of each classical composer have a | | | | Niccolo Paganini was born in Genoa in 1782. He is |
| long musical heritage, and you can get a feel for the | | | | known as a pillar of modern violin technique, with his |
| musical atmosphere of each town by visiting them on | | | | Caprice in A minor being inspirational to many |
| a walking holiday in Italy. Stroll through the streets as | | | | composers. Listening to the country's music when |
| you learn about its musical mysteries, and if you're | | | | walking in Italy will give you some indication of |
| lucky, you might get a chance to see some live | | | | Paganini's influence on its musical development. |
| performances. | | | | Growing up, Paganini sought musical guidance from |
| Venice and Vivaldi | | | | Paer and Ghiretti in Genoa. He then spent many years |
| Antonio Lucio Vivaldi was born in Venice in 1678. | | | | touring through the area, performing frequently and |
| During this time, opera was the most popular music | | | | gaining local support. But it was not until 1813 that he |
| form, inspiring much of Vivaldi's bold works and | | | | began to receive recognition across Europe. His |
| resulting in his many operatic compositions. Walking in | | | | concert at La Scala in Milan was hugely successful, |
| Italy, particularly in Venice, will allow you to see the | | | | spreading his name across the continent. Walks in Italy |
| grand Baroque architecture of the time to which this | | | | can lead you in this composer's footsteps, from Genoa |
| music belongs. | | | | and Parma to the exciting city of Milan. |
| Vivaldi's father, Giovanni Battista, taught him how to | | | | Verdi's Opera's in Busseto |
| play the violin. Finding musical inspiration in walking in | | | | Giuseppe Fortunino Francesco Verdi was born in 1813 |
| Italy, they toured together performing for locals. Walks | | | | in Le Roncole, a small village just outside of Busseto. |
| in Italy will allow you to tread in their footsteps, as you | | | | Known primarily for his operas, Verdi's works have |
| make your way around this musical country. | | | | had great influence all over the world. Hum the tune of |
| Scarlatti's Operas in Palermo | | | | 'La donna e mobile' on a walking holiday in Italy, as you |
| Scarlatti was born in 1660, in Palermo. Walking in Italy is | | | | wander through the towns and footpaths once |
| particularly beautiful in the south, where Palermo lies. | | | | trodden by this great composer. |
| Scarlatti's musical influence extends from the south to | | | | Later in his life, Verdi moved to Milan, a musical centre |
| Rome, where he studied under Giacomo Carissimi. | | | | at the time. His operas are still performed all over |
| Rome is one of the best cities for a walking holiday in | | | | Europe today, and are pillars of excellence for classical |
| Italy, and a stop in this city will not only give you insight | | | | operatic composition. When walking in Italy, you could |
| into Scarlatti's music, but also into its ancient history. | | | | enjoy an evening of opera at one of the many |
| Scarlatti's sister was an opera singer, and he | | | | theatres performing Verdi's works. |