Biography

Luigi Legnani (1790-1877) was born in Ferrara, Italy. Despite the fact that he stood a bit in the shade during the cooperation with his friend Niccolo Paganini (1782 – 1840), Legnani was a versatile artist. He started as a violinist but dedicated his passion to the guitar later. He took part in the 19th century opera mania as an opera singer. At a later age he dedicated himself to building guitars as a luthier. His “Legnani model” with reinforced neck became known over all of Europe, also because the famous luthier Stauffer adopted it.

Legnani composed more than 250 works for the guitar, yet his 36 Cappricios Op. 20 is his best-known work. In this set of pieces, he goes through all keys for the guitar and provides an interesting demonstration of composition techniques.

Music

Here you will find the Capriccios by Luigi Legnani that I played. A Capriccio is a free form, the word translates as “fidgety”, so there is room for the whim, the humour and virtuosity.