Giulio Ricordi, composer. A catalog of his works

Abstract

The brilliant and multi-faceted Giulio Ricordi (1840-1912) was an editor, entrepreneur, artist, and journalist, but also a well-groomed musician and a prolific and sophisticated composer. He left hundreds of pieces, often signed as “Jules Burgmein”. Most are for piano or piano duet, some are for chamber ensembles and for the theater. They were published in elegant editions, graced by drawings by major period artists.

This catalog is divided into two sections. The first part lists works issued under his real name, the second one has those issued as “J. Burgmein” and “Cecco da Lodi”. Pieces are ordered by date — either of composition or of acquisition in the Ricordi catalog — and plate number. Three appendices contain information on dedicatees, authors (of art song lyrics or texts that inspired piano pieces), and artists who worked for the publishing house.