Guido Cantelli

Guido Cantelli in 1950

Guido Cantelli (27 April 1920 – 24 November 1956) was an Italian conductor, considered one of the most talented conductors ever. Arturo Toscanini elected him his spiritual heir but, just a few weeks after being appointed Music Director of La Scala, he died in a tragic airplane crash, aged 36.


Quotes about Guido Cantelli

  • I'm happy to inform you of Guido's great success and that I've brought him into my orchestra, which holds him in high regard, as I do. This is the first time in my long career that I've encountered such a gifted young man.
  • Maestro Cantelli was a few years younger than I, but despite this, he exerted on me a special fascination. I listened to his stories, followed him with enthusiasm, and felt proud of this young Italian talent, so famous throughout the world
  • Among musicians, I had a true friend, Maestro Cantelli. He was a young man of particularly noble sentiments.
  • He had a clear gesture and beautiful hands, he knew how to firmly control the orchestra and get what he wanted. He didn't need to imitate anyone because his artistic personality was confident and convincing.
  • [T]he 23 and 24-year-old Guido Cantelli was prepared to sacrifice his life for the moral outrage he felt towards the fascist and Nazi regimes. Speaking personally, I have never been so tested; really, very few (if any) of us have. I stand in awe of his moral strength and conviction. This is my definition of a hero.
  • Cantelli was indeed one of the most prodigiously gifted conductors of his generation.
  • [F]rom the youngest age Guido imitated his father by “waving his arms about”, and by the age of 10 he was, on occasion, conducting his father’s band.
  • [Guido Cantelli,] the gods' lad.
    • Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, [8] cited from Maria Paola Arbeia, Premio Cantelli, al via le selezioni decisive al Regio poi il gran finale domenica al Coccia, La Stampa, 2022
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