Collection: Piatti, Alfredo

Alfredo Piatti (1822–1901) was an Italian cellist, teacher, and composer. Born in Bergamo, he initially studied violin before switching to the cello under his great-uncle, Gaetano Zanetti. Despite early struggles and selling his cello due to illness, his talent was noticed by Franz Liszt, who gifted him a Stradivarius. Piatti toured extensively across Europe from 1838, renowned for his performances and compositions, including two cello concertos, sonatas, and a cello method. He served for nearly four decades as the first cello at London's Popular Concerts and collaborated with notable musicians, premiering works and performing famous pieces. He retired in 1897 due to illness and died in Bergamo. His legacy includes many pupils, such as Robert Hausmann, and his portrait is held at the Royal Academy of Music.